'Life-saving' mental health text service launched today

A new text-based mental health service, funded by the HSE, has been launched today (Tuesday).

‘50808’ is a first of its kind for Ireland, a free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.

It began as a pilot service last September and since then it has provided support to to 3,801 people through 6,694 conversations.

It is expected that ‘50808’ will support over 50,000 people each year once fully operational.

The service was launched online, via a Zoom event involving Health Minister Simon Harris; Jim Daly, Minister for Mental Health; and Anne O’Connor, Chief Operations Officer, HSE, this morning.

A statement issued to mark the launch of the service today said that, of the almost 4,000 people supported by the pilot version of the service, 832 people were thinking about suicide and 360 were self-harming.

The top issues discussed were: Anxiety/stress (40%), Depression/sadness (32%), Relationships (29%), Isolation/loneliness (23%) and Suicide (18%)

Some 80% of texters were between the ages of 16 and 34. Three out of every ten texters identified as LGBTI+, while 35% were living with a disability, an existing mental health condition, or another medical condition.

Half of the texters got in touch because they didn't have anyone else to talk to, while 48% said they wanted to talk to someone who didn't know them. Forty percent of those who contacted the service were more comfortable texting than talking.

The service uses an artificial intelligence (AI) system to analyse a texter’s initial message, scanning keywords, phrases, and even emojis to determine the level of severity. The texter’s at most imminent risk are placed at the top of the queue.

50808 has performed over 100 'Active Rescues' since beginning in pilot phase last September, in which the National Ambulance Service is contacted for a texter in need of emergency support.

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.

"Many people – particularly young people - don’t feel comfortable making that call or reaching out for help," said Health Minister Simon Harris.

"This is a service that will offer a lifeline to people of all ages. 50808 is free, anonymous and inclusive.

"It’s been an exceptionally difficult time for our country, and this service is needed more than ever. I have no doubt the launch of 50808 will save lives."

The CEO of 50808, Ian Power, 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 first, and using data to understand our texter's needs and improve the service. We’re excited to make the 50808 number famous so that people who need us know we're here to listen."