Mental health text line
A new text based mental health service '50808' launches today.
The free, 24/7, HSE-backed service' is a first of its kind in Ireland, to provide immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.
"Make the number 50808 famous - get it out there so people who need support know that it's there for them" - @powerian CEO of @Text50808 and @SpunOut #Text50808 pic.twitter.com/kf2Z7GFn2T
— SpunOut.ie (@SpunOut) June 16, 2020
Since the service began its pilot in September last year, it has provided support to 3,801 people through 6,694 conversations.
It is expected that ‘50808’ will support over 50,000 people each year once fully operational.
Of the almost four thousand people supported;
- 832 people were thinking about suicide
- 360 people were self-harming
- The top issues discussed were: Anxiety/stress (40%), Depression/sadness (32%), Relationships (29%), Isolation/loneliness (23%) and Suicide (18%)
- 80% of texters have been between the ages of 16 and 34
- 65% of texters were female, 24% male, 2% transgender and 2% non-binary
- 30% of texters identified as LGBTI+
- 35% of texters are living with a disability, an existing mental health condition, or other medical condition
- Reasons for texting: Didn't have anyone else to talk to (50%), Wanted to talk to someone who didn't know me (48%), More comfortable texting than talking (40%), Too embarrassed to talk on the phone or in person (31%), Didn't have access to a therapist (31%)
A new, free 24/7 text service launched this morning by @SpunOut CEO @powerian @SimonHarrisTD @jimdalyclon @AnneOConnorhse & the brilliant volunteers involved in the initiative.
To get in touch with the service, text TALK to 50808.
From a calming chat to immediate support. pic.twitter.com/zfSlqwEBdz
— Mental Health IRL (@MentalHealthIrl) June 16, 2020
It was launched via Zoom today, with Health Minister SImon Harris, Junior Minister Jim Daly and also broadcaster Doireann Garrihy taking part.
A new all-hours text support service is being launched to help anyone going through a mental health or emotional crisis.
50808 will provide immediate support to those going through a breakup, bullying, depression or suicidal feelings.
People can start a conversation with crisis volunteers by texting "TALK" to 50808.
Best of luck to the new 24/7 text support service @Text50808 If you're going through a hard time you can text TALK to 50808 for free, anonymous support. @powerian@AnneOConnorhse@HSELive@jimdalyclon@SimonHarrisTD@SpunOut
— Bodywhys (@bodywhys) June 16, 2020
Ian Power, CEO of 50808, said
“We now have over 300 trained Crisis Volunteers providing free, anonymous support to people who are struggling with any issue, big or small."
"We’re also using technology to ensure we’re getting to the texters who need us most."
"We’re excited to make the 50808 number famous so people who need us, know we’re here to listen.”
The service allows trained Crisis Volunteers to volunteer from home. Crisis Volunteers complete a 30-hour training and have 24/7 supervision by full-time mental health professionals.
