New Crisis Text Service Launched Across East of England for 24/7 Mental Health Support

Free, confidential SMS, WhatsApp, and online chat support is now available for all ages, offering an alternative to phone or in-person contact.

Generic image of a mobile phone screen showing a text conversation with a crisis support service.
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Generic image of a mobile phone screen showing a text conversation with a crisis support service.

A new NHS-funded Crisis Text Support Service has been launched across the East of England, providing free, confidential mental health support via SMS, WhatsApp, and online chat 24 hours a day.

The service, commissioned by NHS Central East, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk, and NHS Essex Integrated Care Boards and delivered by NXG Thrive, is available to residents in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough, and Suffolk. It offers an alternative for individuals who prefer text-based communication over phone calls or face-to-face interactions.
People experiencing anxiety, loneliness, overwhelming thoughts, or those who simply need someone to listen can access support by texting ‘SOS’ to 80899, via WhatsApp to 0800 884 0655, or through the webchat at nxgthrive.co.uk/crisis-text-service.
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"The launch of the East of England Mental Health Crisis Text Service gives people another way to access mental health support when they need it most. The service is designed to complement existing NHS mental health services, including crisis lines and local support available across the region, helping to ensure people can access the right support in the right way."

Dr Andrew Rochford · Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB)
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"We know that reaching out for help takes courage. For many people, especially younger people, sending a message can feel far less daunting than making a phone call or speaking face-to-face. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a service that meets people where they are and allows them to seek help in a way that feels comfortable to them. With no minimum age and support available around the clock, we hope this service will make it easier for more children, young people and adults to reach out early and access the support they need."

Dr Andrew Rochford · Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB)
The service is staffed by registered health and care professionals, including psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and mental health nurses, trained in safeguarding and crisis intervention. The web chat includes real-time translation tools. The service is integrated with local mental health services to provide signposting to specialist care.
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"As we move into the autumn and winter months, we know that many people can find this a particularly challenging time of year. Shorter days, social pressures, feelings of loneliness and worries about work, money or family circumstances can all have an impact on mental wellbeing. This service provides a free source of support at any time of day or night, ensuring people have somewhere to turn whenever they need help or simply someone to talk to."

Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor · Director of Commissioning – Adult Mental Health and Neurodiversity for NHS Essex ICB
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"We want to make sure the mental health services we commission reflect the needs of our local communities, so people can get the right support, at the right time and in a way that works for them. That means offering a range of services that recognise people may want to seek help in different ways. This new service gives people another important option alongside existing mental health services, offering greater choice and helping them get the care and support that’s right for them when they need it."

Dr Fiona Head · Medical Director for NHS Central East ICB
Based on information from the official source: NHS Central East Integrated Care Board (04/11/2026)