Round-the-Clock Mental Health Messaging Service Opens Across Eastern England

A new NHS-funded crisis messaging service is offering free mental health support around the clock to children, young people and adults across the East of England.

People experiencing anxiety, loneliness, emotional distress or overwhelming thoughts can speak confidentially with a trained responder through text message, WhatsApp or online chat. No referral is required, and there is no minimum age for accessing the service.

Support is available to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk. People can text SOS to 80899, send a WhatsApp message to 0800 884 0655, or use the webchat provided by NXG Thrive.

The service is staffed by registered professionals with backgrounds including mental health nursing, counselling, psychology and social work. Responders can provide immediate emotional support, assess risk, help develop a safety plan and connect people with suitable local services where further care is needed.

Commissioned by NHS Essex, NHS Central East and NHS Norfolk and Suffolk, the service is designed to complement existing crisis lines, community teams and NHS 111 mental health support. It may be particularly helpful for people who find speaking on the telephone or attending an appointment difficult.

The messaging service is not a replacement for emergency assistance. Anyone facing an immediate threat to life should call 999 or attend their nearest A&E department.

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