Mental Health Crisis Text Support
- Telephone number: Text CWHOPE to 85258
- Service hours: 24/7
About us
We have partnered with Shout to provide a crisis text support service in Coventry and Warwickshire. The service will provide free, confidential clinically supported help by text message for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Anyone of any age, including carers, can text CWHOPE to 85258 to start a conversation with a mental health professional at any time, day or night.
We are aware of an issue affecting some users on the Three (3) mobile phone network (plus providers using the same infrastructure, which may include Vodafone, iD and Smarty). Users are able to text CWHOPE to us but not reply to our messages. We are working Three and will update this page when they have solved the issue.
We understand how frustrating it is to not be able to access support. If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 (select Mental Health option) or take a look at other options to find help now.
Why this service matters
Some people find it difficult to talk about how they're feeling, especially during a crisis. Text support provides:
- a discreet and safe way to reach out
- quick access to 24 hour support outside of traditional phone lines
- a non-judgemental, written space to express feelings at your own pace
- support for those who find live conversations overwhelming or inaccessible
This service will run alongside our existing crisis pathways (which can be found at Find Help Now ) and can be offered as an additional option, depending on the needs and preferences of each individual.
Who this service may be especially helpful for
The service may be especially helpful for people who:
Prefer written communication, for example:
- Neurodivergent people (e.g. autistic individuals or those with ADHD) who may find phone calls difficult, stressful, or cognitively demanding
- People with communication differences or anxiety around verbal conversations
- Those who process emotions better through writing
Need a discreet option, for example:
- People living in environments where they cannot safely talk out loud
- Young people who may feel more comfortable using text rather than phone calls
Struggle with phone-based crisis services, for example:
- Individuals with past trauma linked to telephone interactions
- People with selective mutism or high levels of social anxiety
Need support outside of core hours who need reassurance or grounding while waiting for contact from other services
It is recommended saving the number 85258 as CWHOPE text mental health support (or similar) in your or your young person's phone will ensure it is easily found when mental health support is needed.
How it works
- The service is free from all major mobile networks.
- Text conversations are managed by mental health professionals backed by clinical supervisors.
- Complex or high-risk situations are escalated appropriately through Shout's safeguarding and clinical pathways.
- People can text CWHOPE to 85258 anytime and receive a reply.
Important: This is not a replacement for emergency care. If you find yourself or someone you care about in a mental health crisis, you should still call 111 and select the mental health option. Individuals at immediate risk should still call 999 or attend A&E.