People across Lincolnshire can now access confidential urgent mental health support through a new text service called ChatHealth. The service offers an alternative way to reach help for people who may find phone calls or face‑to‑face contact difficult, providing a discreet and accessible option when support is needed most.
This new service has been developed to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and is an extension of the NHS 111 option 2 mental health support already provided by the Lincolnshire 111 Mental Health Team. It enables secure two‑way messaging between those seeking support and trained healthcare professionals.
Anyone needing urgent mental health advice and support can send a text message from any mobile phone or start a chat online using the ChatHealth website.
Dedicated contact numbers
Two dedicated text lines are available:
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the team aiming to respond to messages within two hours.
How it works
After sending a message, users will receive an automated reply confirming it has been received. A trained healthcare professional will then respond within two hours. Demographic details are requested as part of the process, but people can choose to remain anonymous if they wish.
Who can use the service?
ChatHealth is available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, including those struggling with low mood, anxiety, self‑care, overwhelming feelings, changes in behaviour, or thoughts of self‑harm. Support is also available for wider concerns such as stress, sleep problems, relationship difficulties, or worries about a friend or family member.
Important information
The service cannot provide prescriptions, medication reviews, diagnoses, face‑to‑face assessments, Mental Health Act assessments, hospital admissions, welfare checks, or GP referrals. People already open to a mental health team should continue to contact their usual service during office hours.
This service is free, however text messages may be charged at the network’s standard rate. Check with the mobile provider for details.
For immediate physical danger or life‑threatening emergencies, people should call 999 or attend A&E.
ChatHealth is delivered by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and powered by ChatHealth, an award‑winning NHS messaging platform used across the country. For more information, visit www.chathealth.nhs.uk.
