Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North and West Northamptonshire Councils have partnered with charity Mental Health Innovations to offer free, confidential and 24/7 mental health support to those across the county through the charity's text messaging support service Shout.

The partnership has been funded through North and West Northamptonshire Public Health services and ICB to provide this innovative digital offer for anyone in Northamptonshire to enable them to access 24-hour mental health support, 365 days a year from their mobile phone.

People in the county can text the word ‘IMATTER' to 85258 to be connected to a trained Shout volunteer. The service can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts. The conversation, which takes place entirely by text message, aims to help the texter reach a calmer place with a plan to move forward. It will also signpost them to further support available locally.

Dr Janine Elson, Chief Medical Officer, Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, said: ‘Shout is a free, confidential and anonymous service, designed to provide people with in-the-moment support.

‘Texting Shout does not appear on phone bills and all messages are confidential unless there is concern about someone's safety. Shout is available and free in the United Kingdom.'

Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC, added: "This makes our local crisis support more accessible for everyone, especially important now when many people are struggling mentally due to the cost-of-living crisis.'