SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, September 10, Kent residents can get around the clock free mental health help from this great text messaging support service.

As part of the Release the Pressure campaign , anyone who is struggling to cope can text ‘KENT’ or ‘MEDWAY’ to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.

They will give you support and text back and forth with you, working with you to form a plan to take your next steps towards feeling better. Texts are free on all major mobile networks and you can text at any time of day or night for confidential and empathetic support.

The text messaging support service is powered by Mental Health Innovations and funded by the Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) - a collaboration between Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent and Medway CCG, Kent and Medway Partnership Trust and all the NHS organisations across Kent and Medway.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RELEASE THE PRESSURE CAMPAIGN

The feedback from recent texters includes:

“I want to thank you for being so understanding and supportive of the way I was feeling at the time. I was feeling like I had nowhere to turn and you made me feel I wasn't alone. Your kind words helped me more than I can say. The world needs more people like you. Thank you.”

“Thank you for your caring, holding and taking time to listen. I am so pleased I reached out and found such a kind voice to calm a very scared and frightened mind. Bless your heart thank you.”

“I would like to thank you unreal amounts for the help you gave me tonight. It has lifted a massive weight off my shoulders and I could not appreciate that enough. Also thank you for taking time to break down my problems and helping me find a solution to them.”

“Anxiety is a natural reaction to COVID-19. We had our everyday lives transformed overnight back in March and as things start to open back up, whether that’s schools, shops, pubs or workplaces, there are still so many uncertainties,” explains Lauretta Kavanagh, Mental Health Programme Director for the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group.

She adds: “We also know that for many people, non-coronavirus issues are still causing upset and pain. It may be relationship problems, money worries, exam results or grief for a loved one. Since our text messaging service launched in Kent in April we have already supported 750 conversations locally. It's important to know that anyone can reach out for support if they need it. Don’t bottle it up, text ‘KENT’ to 85258 for support at any time of the day or night.”

Mental Health Innovations CEO Victoria Hornby said, “We’re happy that so many Kent and Medway residents have benefited from support from our partnership with the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership.

“During lockdown our clinical staff and volunteers have supported more texters than usual, who have been feeling anxious, lonely, stressed or worried by circumstances. We’d encourage residents who are finding things difficult to reach out for confidential support from the service - we’re here for you 24/7.”

Text ‘KENT’ to 85258 at any time, if you’re struggling to cope.

You can find out more about the Release the Pressure helpline, the new text service and other community mental health support services by clicking here .