Urgent mental health support is now available by text message to people of all ages across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
The service offers free, confidential, 24/7 support via text message for anyone struggling to cope.
Anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges can use the service by texting the word ‘SUNRISE’ to 85258 at any time of day or night.
It is a simple, straightforward way to get mental health support from a mental health professional when people need it most.
The text service is in addition to a range of in-person and telephone-based urgent mental health services locally offering another, alternative way for people to access immediate, anonymous support. It can be used at any time, day or night.
The text service will also be included as an additional option for anyone dialling NHS 111 for mental health support.
Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director of Buckinghamshire mental health services Tina Malhotra said: “The urgent care text service integrates with existing mental health services across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Banes, Swindon and Wiltshire making it just one of the many ways people can get support for their mental health at any time.”
Clinical Director for Oxfordshire at Oxford Health Lola Martos said: “It is simple, quick and immediate. People can access urgent support from qualified mental health professionals. They can do this as a first step to getting help or between appointments while accessing other service.”
Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to support people across the region. Integrating our free, 24/7 text support service Shout into the Trust’s offering will ease pressure on 111 and in-person services and help to ensure that those in crisis can access urgent support from qualified mental health professionals.”
Non-urgent advice: To start a conversation
- Text the word ‘SUNRISE’ to 85258
- You’ll receive four automated messages before being connected to one of Shout’s qualified mental health professionals
- Once connected, the mental health professional will listen empathetically, provide support and signpost to local services where appropriate.
- The Shout service is free, anonymous, and does not appear on phone bills.
- Users do not need to register, download an app, or use mobile data.
If you are concerned about your mental health you can also:
- Speak to your GP
- Contact NHS 111 for Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire 24/7 Mental Health Helpline
- Contact Oxfordshire Safe Haven or Buckinghamshire Safe Haven
- In Oxfordshire, call into a Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub
- Contact Oxfordshire NHS Talking Therapies or Buckinghamshire NHS Talking Therapies
Published: 7 April 2025