The NHS has launched a new 24/7 mental health crisis text service across the East of England, offering people another way to access support without having to make a phone call.
The service is available to people living in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Milton Keynes, and is staffed by registered health and care professionals.
Users are connected to a crisis text responder when they reach out. Responders are trained in safeguarding and crisis intervention, and can support people experiencing distress, assess potential risks and direct them to appropriate local mental health services.
The service is available to people of all ages, with a webchat option also offering real-time translation tools so responders can communicate with users in their first language.
Dr Fiona Head, medical director at NHS Central East Integrated Care Board (ICB), said the service would provide another important option alongside existing mental health support.
Dr Andrew Rochford, executive medical director at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said reaching out for help could be difficult, particularly for younger people.
“We know that reaching out for help takes courage,” he said.
“For many people, especially younger people, sending a message can feel far less daunting than making a phone call or speaking face-to-face.”
How can people access the NHS mental health text service?
People living in the eligible areas can contact the service through three channels:
- SMS: Text “SOS” to 80899
- WhatsApp: 0800 884 0655
- Webchat: Available through the NHS crisis text service
The service operates around the clock, allowing people to contact trained responders at any time of day or night.
The launch adds another route into mental health support for people who may find telephone conversations or face-to-face contact difficult. Its multilingual webchat facility also aims to make communication easier for people who prefer to access support in a language other than English.
