During Children’s Mental Health Week (9-15 February) and beyond, young people across Birmingham and Solihull are reminded that confidential, in-the-moment mental health support is just a text away. Anyone feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed – whether about schoolwork, exams, friendships, relationships, or anything else – can text ‘Space’ to 85258 to connect with a trained mental health professional.

The text service is free, off‑bill, and available to anyone with a mobile phone: a helpful option for young people who may not feel ready to talk on the phone or face-to-face.

Alongside immediate support, texters can be signposted to a wide range of local services that can help with mental health and wellbeing, including Talking Therapies, Crisis Cafés, and NHS 111 Option 2.

Since launching in August 2025, the service – a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Shout, the UK’s first 24/7 text messaging support service – has supported nearly 700 people across Birmingham and Solihull, with around 28% of conversations coming from those aged 17 or under.

For more information visit: Mental Health Text Support Service – Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Children and young people encouraged to find Space to chat during Children’s Mental Health Week