Mental health text support now available 24 hours a day
Mental health support should be easy to access, whenever you need it, in a way that works for you. That's why we're proud to share that ChatHealth, our confidential text messaging service, is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those aged 17.5 years or above, living in Northamptonshire.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, ChatHealth is here for you. It's free, discreet, and easy to use. Just send a text and you'll receive an automatic reply with helpful information and guidance. A trained health professional will respond as soon as possible to your message, typically within 30 minutes.
What is ChatHealth?
ChatHealth is a secure NHS messaging service that connects you with a qualified health professional for advice, support, or signposting to other services. It's designed to be accessible for anyone who might find it difficult to speak on the phone or in person.
You can use ChatHealth to talk about:
- Feeling anxious, stressed or low
- Relationships or family issues
- Sleep problems
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Anything else affecting your mental health or wellbeing
By expanding ChatHealth to a 24-hour service, we're making sure support is available whenever it's needed, day or night.
This change builds on the strong foundation of ChatHealth's existing offer, which has already helped thousands of people across Northamptonshire. In May alone, the service received over 1,200 messages and that was under the previous 9 - 5 model. With the expansion to a 24 hour service, we're ready to support even more people across Northamptonshire.
ChatHealth case studies
These case studies are from real service users, who have accessed the ChatHealth text service over the previous year.
Case study #1
A 17-year-old who lives with autism found it difficult to engage over the phone and struggled to express emotions. With support from ChatHealth, they were able to communicate in their own words for the first time, something their family had never seen before. Together, they developed a plan for ongoing therapy and self-care, all without disrupting their routine.
Case study #2
An individual was worried about their 73 year old parent. Upon calling our Mental Health Number, they learnt about and messaged our ChatHealth text service. The team picked up a sense of urgency that the parent was relapsing (known to services with diagnosis of Bipolar). The parent did not want to communicate by telephone themselves. A response was given to the patient's relative by text, who agreed for someone to call. Our Crisis Response Unit were able to respond to the home within an hour of the message coming through to ChatHealth.
Case study #3
A 43-year old struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and financial hardship, reached out via text. They were facing eviction, food insecurity, and couldn't use the phone due to stress. Through ChatHealth, they received emotional support, food vouchers, and help accessing benefits. With practical help and a listening ear, their situation became more stable and they were able to take the next steps toward recovery.
Who can use ChatHealth?
ChatHealth is available to anyone aged 17.5 years and above in Northamptonshire who needs mental health support. Whether you're a young person, a parent, or just someone who prefers texting over talking, this service is here for you.
Just send a text and start the conversation.
If you or someone you know could benefit from text-based mental health support, keep ChatHealth in mind. It's free, it's confidential, and it's now available 24/7.
Text the service: 07480 635531
Start a chat online: Start a chat - ChatHealth