Family member threatening suicide

[LittleSis85]

I have a family member in crisis and they are threatening to kill themselves this evening. I called 111 who said they were only able to help if the family member gave authorisation. Of course they said no. 111 said to ring police. I called 101 who said they couldn't help and to call 999.
Spoke with 999 and they said an ambulance would be sent out. Received a call to say no ambulance is on the way and again, if family member agrees then they can provide further support. Again family member refused.
We have been given a website for a clinic which is closed until Monday.
What on earth do I do now?

Are you able to drive, and with the family member in the car with you, or sitting in the back with a third person? If you are able to drive safety, you can go to A&E because the threat of suicide is deemed a medical emergency. They will be seen by the psychiatric team.

Unfortunately im 100 miles away. I could ask someone to try and get them in a taxi (im sure they will refuse) Does you think they will be turned away given that 999 refused to send an ambulance?

I'm so sorry your family member is going through this, and you too. I'd ring 999 again and ask for the police to visit. My DH recently saw a FB message from someone he knew from Andy's Man Club, the person was saying he was about to harm himself. DH rang the person and kept him calm and talking whilst I rang 999. The police went straight round, they were there within minutes. The chap concerned is doing well now.

Thinking about you.

It’s difficult without consent. Can somebody go round and be with them? It’s very difficult to get the right MH support these days. You can call 111 option 2 and speak to the local MH team but if they reject the ambulance there is not much that can be done. However paramedics are quite good at talking patients around.

can you ask for a welfare check from the police?

If an ambulance does go out and a person declines help, the crew need to assess the person’s mental capacity to make this decision about declining help. If they feel ( in their clinical judgment) that the person lacks capacity (perhaps due to mental illness or being intoxicated or confusion) they can use the Mental Capacity Act and over rule the person. No one can tell them to do this but it’s something they will or should consider.
its good that your family member has felt able to make someone aware they feel suicidal.

Is your family member at their own home?
if yes it’s harder to get help. Police can enter a private home under section 135 of the Mental health act but they need a warrant

Much easier if your person is out and about. Police can use their emergency powers under Section 136 to take them to a place of safety

Is there a Crisis team for your relative’s area?

If they are threatening and haven't attempted yet so try to reach a mental health therapist and ask them to attend a therapy. Until then do not leave that individual unattended and always stay with them.