Published on: 14 May 2025
As Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of good mental health, people in the North East and North Cumbria who find themselves in crisis can now access urgent support by text.
This is thanks to a new partnership between region's NHS and a national mental health provider.
Simply texting 'CALMER' to 85258, people can get free, confidential, 24/7 text support if they find they are struggling to cope.
The service is funded by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), and delivered by innovative digital service Shout, which is powered by the charity Mental Health Innovations.
Anyone in the North East and North Cumbria region experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges can use the service by texting the word ‘CALMER’ to 85258 at any time of day or night.
The partnership is designed for people who may prefer to seek support via text and provides immediate and anonymous support for those who are waiting for further help.
Text conversations are taken by mental health professionals, overseen by clinical supervisors. This service does not replace other mental health support such as the NHS 111 mental health service or Talking Therapies.
Levi Buckley, chief delivery officer for the NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB, said:
"For many people, and especially when they are experiencing a mental health crisis, texting can be a preferred way of making contact. The person may not be ready to 'talk' or to have face-to-face interaction. Texting is flexible, where people are able to send messages at their own pace and read responses when they are ready. Texts can also be a first step towards getting further help.
"Texts can often feel more comfortable for some people, especially young people or people with neurodivergence, or those who are deaf or hard of hearing."
Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, said:
"We are delighted to be partnering with North East and North Cumbria ICB to make 24/7 mental health support by text message accessible to everyone in the area.
"By offering our free, confidential text service Shout as part of a range of services, we can help take the pressure off face-to-face and phone services while ensuring that people in distress can access urgent support. We know that reaching out for help can be difficult, and texting provides an accessible and discreet way for individuals to seek help whenever they need it."
To start a conversation:
Text the word ‘CALMER’ to 85258
You’ll receive four automated messages before being connected to one of Shout’s mental health professionals
Once connected, the mental health professional will listen empathetically, provide support and signpost to local services where appropriate
The Shout service is free, anonymous, and does not appear on phone bills. Users do not need to register, download an app, or use mobile data.
