Our crisis text service is free and available 24/7 to provide immediate support.

It is powered by our partners Shout 85258 and Crisis Text Line.

How does it work?   

If you need immediate support, text DEAF to 85258.

A trained crisis volunteer will respond and reflect on what you’ve said. They will invite you to share the information you feel comfortable with.

The volunteer will help you sort through your feelings, supporting you until you feel more calm and safe. 

You might be signposted to other services, like SignHealth’s Psychological Therapy Service, Domestic Abuse Service or Samaritans. These services can provide you with further help.

Help with urgent issues such as:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Abuse or assault
• Self-harm
• Bullying
• Relationship issues

You can text us free and anonymously. If the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

It is free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks: 

EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. 

These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and  GiffGaff. 

Some Android phones issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us. If you are on one of these networks this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged.

If you text us from a network that is not on this list, there is a possibility you may be charged for the messages. This is because some networks do not provide the capability to message short codes. 

Why does SignHealth provide a crisis text service?

Access to mainstream crisis services for Deaf people is almost non-existent, and yet Deaf people are twice as likely to experience mental health problems. Anonymised data from the service also gives insight into mental health trends in the Deaf community to help us improve services.

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