Text message mental health support set to start

A new system for people suffering a mental health crisis to seek help via text is due to be introduced this year.

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is due to launch a 24-hour textline service to help people struggling with their mental health.

The service, which is expected to start in December, would also provide emotional support and referral to appropriate services.

The trust's chief operating officer, Donna Robinson, said the system was intended to make services more accessible.

She said: "We know that some people may find it difficult to make an initial call and this new way of contacting us may be that important first step to reach out and get the support they need, whether for themselves or a loved one."

Documents from a meeting of the trust's board of directors shows implementation is planned in phases, with the first four months costing about £160,000.

The service will be available to mental health patients already known to the trust as well as non-patients.

It will work alongside the current mental health support via the 111 NHS phone line.

Robinson said the system was designed to be "streamlined and easy to navigate".

"It will mean that individuals can seek help whenever they need it, such as late at night or holidays when other support services may be limited."

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