Launch of text messaging service to support people in Sussex who are struggling to cope

A new text messaging service for people who are experiencing a challenging time with their emotional wellbeing or mental health is being launched in Sussex on Monday 4 July 2022.

How does the service work?

By texting the word SUSSEX to 85258, people can access the free, confidential, 24/7 service to have a conversation with a trained volunteer. The volunteers offer real-time support to people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and need immediate support.

Texters will be signposted to local services in Sussex, including the Sussex Mental Healthline, Staying Well services and Grassroots’ Stay Alive App, if needed, to get continuous and longer term support.

The initiative is being delivered through the national text messaging service Shout, which has already supported thousands of people since it was launched by Mental Health Innovations in 2019.

For more information about how the Shout text messaging service works, watch this short video here:  www.youtube.com/channel/ShoutUK

Or access the FAQs: giveusashout.org/about-us/faq/

This initiative is part of a programme of work being led by the Sussex Health & Care Partnership Mental Health Collaborative to improve the urgent care pathway in Sussex for people experiencing a mental health crisis. The aim is to make it easier for people to access the right services at the right time and reduce the demand on A&E and the emergency services.