Launch of new 24/7 mental health support text service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Today (1 December) marks the launch of a new 24/7 mental health text support service supporting anyone living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (STW).

People of all ages can text ‘STW’ to 85258 free of charge to receive support for their mental health at any time of the day or night.

The new text service offers an additional way for individuals having problems with their mental health to seek and receive help. It is delivered by Shout on behalf of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) who are commissioned by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (ICB).

It follows the successful rollout of NHS 111’s mental health option (option 2) and supports the national transformation of NHS mental health care – with a commitment to delivering services that are accessible, responsive and tailored to individual needs.

Benefits to patients

• Easy access – You don’t need to speak on the phone or wait for an appointment. You can simply text when you’re in need of mental health support - anytime, anywhere.
• 24/7 support – The service is available day and night, so you can reach out when you need help the most, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Mental health-focused – The service is tailored to people facing mental health difficulties, ensuring that the support you receive is appropriate, understanding, and compassionate.
• Discreet and private – Ideal for those who may feel anxious talking on the phone or who need support in a private or public place without drawing attention.
• Inclusive and equitable – Offers support to people across STW, helping to reduce inequalities in accessing mental health care.
• Integrated with other services – If needed, text responders can help you signpost to local services like NHS 111, crisis teams, or other community-based mental health support.

Cathy Riley, Managing Director of MPFT’s Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Care Group said:

“We are committed to enabling people of all ages to access mental health support when they need it, in a way that’s most comfortable and convenient for them, and this new text service offers an additional way to get help.

“People of all ages experiencing problems with their mental health should feel comfortable in seeking support, and this new service offers a timely way of accessing that help and guidance if they need it. As well as supporting those who prefer having a conversation with someone by text, it’s particularly aimed at supporting people who are deaf, experience hearing loss, are speech impaired, or find talking on the phone difficult.”

Dr Rachel Gallyot, Interim Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said:

“We understand how important it is for people to have quick and easy access to mental health support, especially during times of distress. This new text service provides a safe, discreet and accessible way for anyone in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to reach out for help 24/7. It complements our existing services and reflects our commitment to making mental health care more responsive, inclusive and tailored to individual needs. We encourage anyone who is struggling to use this service and take that vital first step towards support.”

Anyone feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. The text service is not for urgent or emergency support; if you are worried about your own, or someone else's immediate safety, have thoughts about hurting yourself or other people, or do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, you should call 999 immediately.

If you are already receiving mental health support, the first point of contact should be your named worker. Your care plan and any clinical letters will contain information on how to contact them. If they are not available, ask to speak to the clinician on duty. Alternatively, you can also seek support from your GP.

The following agencies also provide urgent mental health support:

• SANEline – This is a national out of hours mental health helpline. It offers specialist emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. They are open every day from 4pm-10pm on 0300 304 7000. They can also be contacted via email support@sane.org.uk; however, there is normally a 72-hour turnaround time for replies.
• Samaritans – Available 24 hours a day 365 days a year by calling 116 123 (free from any phone).
• Hub of Hope - the UK's largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services.
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – Available on 0800 587 0800 (6pm – midnight every day).
• CALM – Available on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight every day). They also have a webchat service.
• Papyrus Hopeline UK – Available to under 35 year olds, struggling with suicidal feelings or concerns about a young person who might be struggling, on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or text 88247.
• Switchboard - Available to people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, on 0800 0119 100 or via their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
• Cruse - the UK’s leading bereavement charity; provides a helpline run by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by grief. Call 0808 808 1677.
• Childline - A free, private, and confidential service where young people can talk about anything. Calls are free and confidential. Calls are not recorded, and their number won't show up on any phone bills. Call 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, every day).
• Nightline - Students can look on the Nightline website to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

The following services provide non-urgent mental health support:

• Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS Talking Therapies – Provides treatment and support to people aged 16 and over experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Self-referrals can be made without needing to go through a GP by clicking the link above or calling 0300 123 6020.
• BeeU (Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) - Provides emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people aged up to 25. Call the BeeU Access Team on 0300 124 0093.
• Shropshire Mental Health Support – Provides immediate support for people with emotional or mental health needs, including long-term enduring mental health needs or those triggered by recent incidents. Call 01743 368 647.
• Telford Mind – If you are in emotional distress, struggling to cope or need somebody to talk to there is always a trained member of staff on duty during our opening hours to offer one to one support. Call 07434 869248.
• Calmer Cafes (Shropshire) – Mental health cafe drop-in service run by Shropshire Mental Health Support, located in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Church Stretton. Click on the link for full details.
• Calm Cafe (Telford and Wrekin) – Mental health cafe drop-in service run by Telford Mind, located in various locations in Telford and Wrekin. Click on the link for full details.
• TogetherAll (Shropshire) – Provides free online 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support for people aged 16 and over.
• Your GP