Mental health support for British nationals in Tunisia
Information about support for British nationals experiencing mental health difficulties in Tunisia.
The information in this note is intended for your general guidance only. It is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change.
For these reasons neither His Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.org.uk). Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
FCDO consular support
Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.
We can:
- listen to you and help you look at your options
- help you to contact friends and family members if you want to
- visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
- raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
- help overseas medical staff contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
- give information about local medication suppliers
- be available, as appropriate, to help if you choose to remain overseas
- liaise with your travel rep or travel insurance company, if you want us to
We cannot:
- give advice on mental health issues
- buy or supply medication
- withhold or remove a passport
- stop you from travelling abroad or require you to return to the UK
- pay for you to return to the UK
- pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
- get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people
- have somebody committed to or discharged from a mental health facility
What to do if you need help
If there is an emergency or an urgent need for medical attention, you should either:
- call 190 for medical emergencies or
- call 197 for police emergenciesor
- go to the emergency ward at any hospital
While the police are often the first point of contact in many situations, including mental health-related incidents, it is generally more appropriate to call 190 for an ambulance or medical assistance when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis.
For less urgent requirements, the first option, as in the UK, is to make an appointment with a general physician (GP). A GP will make a first assessment, is able provide basic support and signpost you elsewhere if necessary, or assist you in going to hospital.
Repeat or replacement prescriptions
If you are on holiday in Tunisia or have moved to Tunisia and require a repeat or replacement prescription, you should contact a local pharmacy. They will be able to provide advice, and will normally be able to provide you with a list of local GPs.
Carrying a copy of your prescription while on holiday, or after your move to Tunisia, can help doctors to find the specific, or similar medication for you.
Mental health hospitalisations
Compulsory hospitalisation
As in the UK, people with mental health needs may be hospitalised and detained without their consent if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
Costs of hospitalisation
You should always take out adequate insurance before visiting Tunisia, or if you live there.
You will need to cover any costs using your private insurance, or by personal funds if you do not have travel insurance.
Guardianship
‘Guardianship’ is a court appointment which authorises a person to act and make decisions on behalf of another adult who it is believed lacks the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves.
In these circumstances a request for guardianship may be submitted by a spouse, parent, or other family member, as well as by the government legal advisor or his/her representative. All requests must be submitted to the Family Courts in whose jurisdiction the ward is located.
More information about the process is on the Ministry of Justice website.
Return to the UK
If hospitalised, and after the medical team at the hospital have agreed that the patient can be released, the medical team may need to issue a ‘fit to fly’ letter, indicating whether the patient requires a medical escort or can travel by him/herself. The medical team will also provide a medical report to help access suitable follow up support in the UK.
Repatriation can be organised by road or air travel through a medical repatriation company or where appropriate by friends or family. If the patient needs to be hospitalised in the UK, the transfer will be to their local hospital or institution.
The cost of repatriation will need to be covered by travel insurance, or by personal funds of the patient if there is no travel insurance.
Support from other agencies and organisations in Tunisia
| Organisation | Telephone/Email | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Razi Psychiatric Hospital Manouba – Tunis | +216 71576000 +216 71565400 boc@pm.gov.tn |
Dedicated Psychiatric Hospital |
| Ministry of Health Central – Tunis | +216 8010 5050 | Psychological Consultations |
| Monji Slim Hospital La Marsa – Tunis | +216 71764033 +216 71765118 +216 71764845 +216 71764066 |
Child Psychiatry, Outpatient |
| Fattouma-Bourguiba Hospital – Monastir | +216 73460309 +216 73460411 +216 71447108 |
Psychiatry service |
| PsyQuilibre (Interlinks NGO) – Tunis | +216 28285404 contact@psyquilibre.tn |
Youth-centred mental health |
| Mawjoudin Initiative for Equality – Tunis | +216 55524444 mailtoinfo@mawjoudin.org |
Peer support and mental health referrals for LGBTQI and individuals. |
Other useful information
General guidance for people with mental health issues travelling abroad, including links to UK non-governmental organisations and services.
UK organisations
The NHS list of mental health helplines has a list of organisations that can offer advice to those in the UK by phone. These organisations in the UK may be able to help you before you travel, or support family and friends in the UK.
- Age UK
- Bipolar UK
- Mental Health Foundation
- Mind
- Office of the Public Guardian
- Rethink
- Royal British Legion
- SANE
- Scottish Association for Mental Health
- Shout: for support in a crisis
- The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
- Inspire Wellbeing (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Association for Mental Health
- Time to Change Campaign