As part of this year’s World Mental Health Day, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is encouraging residents to reach out for mental health support through two free, confidential services – Shout and Kooth.
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is ’access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The aim is to highlight the importance of access to support for everyone, no matter who they are or what they are going through.
Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text messaging support service. By texting ‘HANTS to 85258, anyone across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (including Southampton and Portsmouth) can speak with a trained volunteer who can help with anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness or suicidal thoughts. The service is available at any time, day or night, and aims to provide immediate support for those who may not feel comfortable talking on the phone or in person.
Kooth is a free online mental health and wellbeing platform designed for young people aged 11-25. It offers one-to-one online counselling with qualified professionals, self-help tools and resources, and peer community support in a moderated space.
Both platforms offer anonymous ways to get help for anyone struggling with their mental health without a GP referral.
Sonya Mclean, Strategic Lead for Acute and Crisis Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said “Mental health support should be accessible to everyone, no matter the time or place. Shout and Kooth offer people a safe and confidential space to get the help they need in the way that feels most comfortable to them. Providing early intervention and crisis support can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Patient feedback from those who have used Shout text messaging service:
“At the beginning of the conversation I was feeling alone and unheard. By the end of it I had calmed down and felt like I finally had someone to listen and understand how I'd been feeling, and it helped me to gather my feelings.”
“Compassionate listening at a time when I really, really needed it. Thank you.”
“I appreciate and love the communication. Spoke me out of how I was feeling, definitely feel more calm and safe. I know what to do if I feel unsafe again.”
“Sometimes all you need is someone to listen to you and hear you out.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available.