NHS launches 24/7 mental health text service
Press AssociationThe NHS has launched a new text service designed to provide round-the-clock mental health support across the East of England.
Staffed by registered health and care professionals, it is available 24/7 for people of all ages.
The service can be used by people living in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Milton Keynes.
Dr Fiona Head, medical director at NHS Central East Integrated Care Board (ICB), said it would give people "another important option" alongside existing support.
Service users are connected with a crisis text responder upon reaching out to them.
They are trained in safeguarding and crisis intervention, and can support people in distress, assess risk and signpost individuals to local mental health services.
A web chat option also includes real-time translation tools, so responders can communicate in the sender's first language.
Support can be accessed via:
- SMS: Text "SOS" to 80899
- WhatsApp: 0800 884 0655
- Webchat
Dr Andrew Rochford, executive medical director at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: "We know that reaching out for help takes courage.
"For many people, especially younger people, sending a message can feel far less daunting than making a phone call or speaking face-to-face."
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