Mental health support is now just one message away, with a new NHS East of England Mental Health Crisis Text Service offering free, confidential support whenever people need it.

The service is now live and provides access to trained mental health professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is available to anyone who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed or low, or who simply needs someone to talk to about what is on their mind.

There is no need for a referral, and people do not have to provide their name to get started. The service is open to people of all ages across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

There are three ways to get in touch:

The service is commissioned by the NHS and delivered by NXG Thrive.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, this new service offers a free and confidential way to reach out, at any time of the day or night.