New mental health text service launches across Medway

A new text service has been launched today across Medway for those in need of mental health assisstance during the lockdown.

The service has been provided by SHOUT and Crisis Text Line as part of the Release the Pressure campaign. Access to support is free to all major phone networks by texting the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258.

https://youtu.be/UNFhHU3-uFg

Text 85258 to speak to one of SHOUT’s many Crisis Volunteers for support

This new scheme is being funded by the Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) which is built up of  Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and all NHS organisations across Kent and Medway.

Lauretta Kavanagh, Mental Health Programme Director for the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group spoke on the rise of mental health issues within the UK as Covid-19 continues to alter day to day life:

“Anxiety is a natural reaction to COVID19. We’ve had our everyday lives transformed overnight and are unsure of what might come. n the interim time, it’s right to be gentle with ourselves and open up about what’s happening to us. As far as you can, reach out to others, including texting Kent to 85258 at any time of the day or night.”

It’s more important than ever that we take steps to look after our mental health and that of
those around us. We’re proud to be a part of the new #60secondsupport series from@Heads_together charities and @radiocentre, sharing daily tips and advice to support your well being. https://t.co/AWw5geDCOd

— Shout UK (@GiveUsAShout) April 27, 2020

SHOUT UK are also taking part in the 60 Second Suport programme from Heads Together for daily Mental Health tips 

Victoria Hornby, SHOUT CEO, continued to say: “We are delighted to partner with the STP to provide a crisis text service to people in need of mental health support across Kent and Medway. Over the last few weeks we have seen increasing numbers of conversations (around 30%) mentioning Coronavirus and we know things are difficult for people right now. For anyone who is feeling anxious, lonely, stressed, afraid or worried, our Crisis Volunteers are there 24/7.”

To find out more information regarding the Release the Pressure campaign as well as more information on the new texting service and other community mental health service support please visit www.releasethepressure.uk