North Ayrshire Council has welcomed free in the moment mental health support via text message as the local authority partners with Shout.
Delivered in collaboration with North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and North Ayrshire Council’s Education Service, the partnership has been launched during this year’s Suicide Prevention Week.
The text-based service offers tailored support to people of all ages in North Ayrshire whenever they need it.
To access the service, residents can simply text SUPPORTNA to 85258 to be connected there and then to a trained Shout Volunteer.
Confidential and free of charge, this is an example of how the council is providing residents with services that are free at the point of access so that they can take care of their own mental health – a key outcome of the Wellbeing Council Plan priority.
Caroline Cameron, Director for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership shares: “We are proud to officially launch the Shout text service to help residents across North Ayrshire in need of urgent mental health support.
“Shout Volunteers are able to signpost to further support services such as your GP or community mental health nurse so that you can get continuous and longer-term support.
“Please know that you are not alone. Support is available, make an appointment with your GP to take the first steps or talk to someone you can trust. If you want help from someone outside of your support system, turn to the Shout service. If you are suicidal or feel like your life is at imminent risk, please call 999.”
As a council, we are committed to empowering communities to look after their mental health and wellbeing, encouraging them to have the courage to seek support when life becomes overwhelming.
All messages shared via Shout are anonymous and confidential, and the service provides in-the-moment support to work with people in distress and empower them to take the next positive steps to better-handle future situations or issues.
Eilidh James, Quality Improvement Officer (Education Directorate) has been part of the project team to get the new partnership underway. She shares: “ We are delighted that we have in place this partnership between Education, the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Shout to support all North Ayrshire residents regardless of age.
“I hope this free, confidential service will ensure short term text based help is available at the time of need, and with most residents having access to a mobile phone then it is available no matter where you are in North Ayrshire. We listened to our residents who told us that they would like this sort of support available and we hope it meets the identified need.”
As access to the service is confidential, it won’t appear on your phone bill and there’s no need to download an app or to register or create a password.
Even if you have travelled out with North Ayrshire’s six localities or are staying with friends or family elsewhere, you can still drop a text message day or night, wherever you are in the UK, provided you remember to use the North Ayrshire keyword SUPPORTNA.
The announcement of the new text-based mental health support was made public during a special screening event at the Harbour Arts Centre – where the poignant Scottish film ‘The Low Road’ was shown that highlights the heart-breaking reality of suicide and the estimated 7,000 deaths each year in the UK.
Health and Social Care colleague, Sam Hodkinson hosting the HAC event shared: “We were delighted to launch the North Ayrshire Shout text messaging service during Suicide Prevention Week, especially at the powerful preview of ‘The Low Road’ film at the Harbour Arts Centre.
“The timing couldn’t have been more meaningful, bringing together creativity, community, and compassion. We’re asking all staff and partners to make this a priority and help us spread the word. This service is here for everyone, and support is just a text away. Let’s make sure no one feels alone.”
Support for mental wellbeing is also available from Breathing Space by calling 0800 83 85 87 from Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am, or from 6pm to 6am at the weekend.
For urgent support if you are feeling suicidal, call NHS 24 on 111 or Police Scotland on 999.
The text-based Shout service can provide confidential support with:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and sadness
- Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Panic attacks
- Loneliness and isolation
- Bullying and abuse
Shout Advisors are on hand to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week when things get tough or if you are feeling overwhelmed or need support.
Each conversation is overseen by a Clinical Supervisor and assessed for risk, ensuring that a conversation is never closed when there is an imminent risk to someone’s life.
Further support can be found via the Suicide Prevention webpage on Connects.
“Shout Volunteers are able to signpost to further support services such as your GP or community mental health nurse so that you can get continuous and longer-term support. If you need help, please know that you are not alone. Support is available, make an appointment with your GP to take the first steps or talk to someone you can trust. If you want help from someone outside of your support system, turn to the Shout service. If you are suicidal or feel like your life is at imminent risk, please call 999.”Caroline Cameron, Director for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership