Text Support Service reminder for World Suicide Prevention Day
Date added: 10 September 2020
This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 Sept), people are being reminded of the help available in Kent including an easy to use mental health text service.
As part of the Release the Pressure campaign, texts are free on all major mobile networks - by texting the word “Shout" to 85258, you will start a conversation with a trained and experienced volunteer who can give support at any time, wherever you are. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
The text messaging support service is powered by Mental Health Innovations and funded by the Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) - a collaboration between Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent and Medway CCG, Kent and Medway Partnership Trust and all the NHS organisations across Kent and Medway.
“Anxiety is a natural reaction to COVID-19. We had our everyday lives transformed overnight back in March and as things start to open back up, whether that’s schools, shops, pubs or workplaces, there are still so many uncertainties,” explains Lauretta Kavanagh, Mental Health Programme Director for the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group.
She adds: “We also know that for many people, non-coronavirus issues are still causing upset and pain. It may be relationship problems, money worries, exam results or grief for a loved one. Since our text messaging service launched in Kent in April we have already supported 750 conversations locally. It's important to know that anyone can reach out for support if they need it. Don’t bottle it up, text SHOUT to 85258 for support at any time of the day or night.”
Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said “This year we mark ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ with a very new and unique set of challenges and issues affecting people’s mental wellbeing – we know that recent changes and restrictions to how we live and work is making many people will be feeling anxious, concerned and isolated. You may also be worried about loved ones or the impact that this will have on your relationship, your job or your financial situation. It’s a crucial time to reach out for support any time day or night - text SHOUT to 85258 for support.”
James Williams, Director of Public Health at Medway Council, said: “Everyone is having to adapt to new ways of communicating and interacting with family, friends and the wider community. During these uncertain times we need to think more about the impact these changes are having on our mental health. It is incredibly important for residents to know that help and support is available. The Release the Pressure text service will help people access help whenever they may need it. I would encourage anyone who needs support to text Shout to 85258.”
Text SHOUT to 85258 at any time, if you’re struggling to cope. You can find out more about the Release the Pressure helpline, the new text service and other community mental health support services by visiting Release the Pressure
If you need help, there are services across the county you can use in addition to Release the Pressure including:
Safe Havens in Kent and Medway run by Mental Health Matters
Canterbury
Based at 22-23 North Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7EE
For general enquiries please contact 07876 476703 / 07483 163953 or email Canterbury.mhm@nhs.net
Maidstone
Based at Mid Kent Mind, 23 College Road, Maidstone, ME15 6YH. For general enquiries please contact them on 07484 061684 / 07483 155058 or email Maidstone.mhm@nhs.net
Medway
Based at Age UK, MacKenney Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2BX. For general enquiries please contact 07850 901151 / 07808 795036 or email Medway.mhm@nhs.net
The Safe Haven in Thanet
This is available for telephone support only: Call 07850 655877 Email Thanet.mhm@nhs.net
Hestia
Hestia offers a safe haven telephone service for residents of Folkestone and Hythe who are experiencing a mental heath crisis. They are available from 6pm-11pm weekdays and 12pm-11pm ad weekends Contact the Folkestone haven - Call 0808 1963 569; email Folkestone.haven@hestia.org; Facebook message @hestiafolkestonehaven
