Round-the-clock mental health text service begins

Conversations with an advisor can be carried out over text message

A countywide service offering free mental health support via text message around the clock has been launched.

Sending "IMATTER" to a special number will connect people in Northamptonshire to trained volunteers.

The initiative involves a charity, two councils and the county's integrated care board (ICB).

A senior councillor said the service was "especially important now when many people are struggling mentally due to the cost of living crisis".

The new service, known as SHOUT, is designed to help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Anyone who texts "IMATTER" to 85258 will be connected to a trained volunteer, who will communicate via text message.

West Northamptonshire Council said the conversation would aim "to help the texter reach a calmer place with a plan to move forward".

"It will also signpost them to further support available locally," it said.

The council added that a text to SHOUT would not appear on phone bills and all messages would be confidential, unless there were concerns about someone's safety.

Funding has been provided by public health services across the county and the ICB.

Dr Janine Elson, from the integrated care board, said access to mental health support was a "key priority"

Dr Janine Elson, the chief medical officer of Northamptonshire's ICB, said: "Ensuring local people who need it can receive timely access to mental health support is one of our key priorities.

"The SHOUT service compliments the services we already have available across our county that support health and wellbeing.

"I would urge anyone experiencing difficulties with their mental health to consider using this service."

The service will run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Gill Mercer, North Northamptonshire Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "I am pleased that we are working with SHOUT to give free access to their text support service.

"This makes our local crisis support more accessible for everyone, especially important now when many people are struggling mentally due to the cost of living crisis."