A new NHS mental health text service now covers Essex, including Brentwood, day and night. Text SOS to 80899, or use WhatsApp or webchat, at any age.
Anyone in Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton or Ingatestone who is struggling with their mental health can now message a free NHS-funded crisis service at any hour. It has no minimum age. Text SOS to 80899 to reach it.
NHS Essex announced the launch on 4 November. It is one of three NHS integrated care boards paying for the service, which is run by a provider called NXG Thrive.
How to reach it
- Text: send SOS to 80899
- WhatsApp: message 0800 884 0655
- Webchat: nxgthrive.co.uk/crisis-text-service
NXG Thrive says it is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 and do not wait for a text reply.
Who it is for
The service is open to children, young people and adults. NHS Essex says it can help people experiencing anxiety, loneliness or overwhelming thoughts, or those who simply need someone to listen. It is aimed at people who find typing easier than talking on the phone or in person.
You do not have to be sure that what you are feeling counts as a crisis. NXG Thrive says a first message can be as simple as “I need someone to talk to”, and you can explain the rest one message at a time.
It covers people living in:
- Essex
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Hertfordshire
- Luton
- Milton Keynes
- Norfolk
- Peterborough
- Suffolk
Who answers
NHS Essex says the service is entirely staffed by registered health and care professionals. Its Crisis Text Responders come from backgrounds including psychology, counselling, social work and mental health nursing.
They are trained in safeguarding, crisis intervention and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. NHS Essex says they can assess risk, help someone draw up a safety plan and connect them to local services. The webchat also has real-time translation tools, so responders can communicate in the sender’s first language.
Why the NHS says it is needed
Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor, Director of Commissioning for Adult Mental Health and Neurodiversity at NHS Essex, pointed to the time of year:
“As we move into the autumn and winter months, we know that many people can find this a particularly challenging time of year. Shorter days, social pressures, feelings of loneliness and worries about work, money or family circumstances can all have an impact on mental wellbeing.
“This service provides a free source of support at any time of day or night, ensuring people have somewhere to turn whenever they need help or simply someone to talk to.
“There’s lots of other support on hand too to help people through winter. We encourage residents to visit their local ICB and council websites and Essex Frontline to explore the advice, services and practical support on offer to help them stay warm, well and connected.”
Dr Andrew Rochford, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said the service sits alongside existing NHS mental health services, including crisis lines and local support:
“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. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a service that meets people where they are and allows them to seek help in a way that feels comfortable to them.
“With no minimum age and support available around the clock, we hope this service will make it easier for more children, young people and adults to reach out early and access the support they need.”
Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director for NHS Central East ICB, the third board paying for it, said:
“We want to make sure the mental health services we commission reflect the needs of our local communities, so people can get the right support, at the right time and in a way that works for them. That means offering a range of services that recognise people may want to seek help in different ways.
“This new service gives people another important option alongside existing mental health services, offering greater choice and helping them get the care and support that’s right for them when they need it.”
What it means for you
- It is free, but check your plan. NHS Essex describes the service as free. NXG Thrive’s page adds that standard messaging or data charges may depend on your provider.
- It is confidential, with limits. NXG Thrive says it may need to share information in some safeguarding or legally required situations. Its page links to the full confidentiality notice and safeguarding policy.
- It does not replace your existing care. NHS Essex says the service works with mental health services and can signpost you to local services and specialist care.
More on winter support is on the NHS Essex website.
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