New text support option extends access to NHS 111 mental health crisis service across South London

Since being appointed by  South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) in June, Everyturn Mental Health’s WhatsApp 24/7 mental health crisis support service has been used by over 2,000 people needing immediate access to mental health support.

From today, the service will now include a dedicated text code (80991), ensuring anyone living in South London can simply text to start a conversation to access mental health support.

The new service will play an important part in strengthening crisis support across South London, helping more people access compassionate, inclusive mental health support, when and where they need it most.  

The service will continue to be delivered by trained mental health advisors, many of who have their own experiences of mental ill-health and will offer immediate, non-clinical support.  

With Everyturn’s existing mental health crisis services, including crisis lines, crisis houses, community-based Safe Havens and NHS 111-2 telephone services and over 40 years’ experience of being a leading provider of mental health services, it’s hoped that making this crisis text line more accessible, will extend help to where and when people need it most.  

This crisis text line is the second support service Everyturn has launched this year with SLaM NHS Trust, alongside the new community rehabilitation service, which will launch in summer this year.  

Adam Crampsie, Everyturn’s Chief Executive, commented:  

“We know that, for many people, talking about mental health isn’t easy and it can be a real barrier to people accessing support. When someone is struggling, asking for help can often be the hardest step. For many people, sending a text feels more comfortable than picking up the phone, making it an important way to access support. 

“This new way for people across South London to access this service means people can connect with our team more quickly and easily, whenever they need to. Our team of trained mental health advisors are there to listen, provide compassionate support and help people get the right support.  

“We’re committed to making mental health support as accessible as possible, so that more people can get help where and when they need it most, so no one has to struggle alone.”