New 24/7 mental health support text services launched across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Anyone across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can now access 24/7 mental health support by text with the launch of two new free text services across the area.

The text services are delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT), commissioned by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Individuals can text the following numbers to receive support for their mental health at any time of the day or night:

• For South Staffordshire – 07507 330605 (MPFT).
• For North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent – 07312 263117 (NSCHT).

Benefits to patients

• Easy access – You don’t need to speak on the phone or wait for an appointment. You can simply text when you’re in need of mental health support— anytime, anywhere.
• 24/7 support – The service is available day and night, so you can reach out when you need help the most, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Mental health-focused – The service is tailored to people facing mental health difficulties, ensuring that the support you receive is appropriate, understanding, and compassionate.
• Discreet and private – Ideal for those who may feel anxious talking on the phone or who need support in a private or public place without drawing attention.
• Inclusive and equitable – Offers support to people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, helping to reduce inequalities in accessing mental health care.
• Integrated with other services – If needed, text responders can help you connect with local services like NHS 111, crisis teams, or other community-based mental health support.

Ben Richards, Senior Responsible Officer for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System, said:

“As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, we’re transforming how mental health care is delivered – making it more accessible, responsive and tailored to individual needs.

“A major milestone was met recently in the launch of NHS 111’s urgent mental health support option, and thanks to significant national funding we are now introducing locally commissioned mental health text services, fully integrated into our mental health pathways. This will give our communities another discreet way to reach out for help – anytime, anywhere.”

Dr Waheed Abbasi, GP and Clinical Director for the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) Mental Health programme, commented:

“It’s important to offer a range of ways our communities can access mental health support – we know the way people want to access them is very different, and what works for one person will not be the right approach for another. We have developed ways of working that help us meet national goals – this includes giving our service users more choice and control.”

Jennie Collier, Managing Director of MPFT’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Care Group, said:

“It’s important that people feel comfortable in seeking support if they’re having problems with their mental health. We’re therefore delighted to be launching a dedicated mental health text support service in South Staffordshire to enable people of all ages to reach out if they require help and guidance. As well as supporting people who prefer having a conversation with someone by text, this new service is particularly aimed at supporting people who are deaf, experience hearing loss, are speech impaired, or find talking on the phone difficult.

“We’re committed to enabling people of all ages to access mental health support when they need it, in a way that’s most comfortable for them, and this new text service offers an additional way to receive help.”

Natalie Larvin, Clinical Director/Approved Clinician for the Acute & Urgent Care Directorate, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, said:

“Following the successful rollout of NHS 111 for mental health crisis support, we see our text service as natural progression in offering alternative routes for people to access help. We are excited to launch a text service for people living in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, as it opens further doors for people who may not be in a position to call or who may feel more comfortable texting a professional.

“The more accessible and inclusive we can make our services to the local community, the better support we can offer them. We hope that this can allow our team to intervene, guide and signpost to our other services at an earlier stage in the individual’s journey, meaning people get the support they need in a timely manner.”

Anyone feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. The text service is not for urgent or emergency support; the NHS advises people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.