Skip to content

Anna Freud Crisis Messenger

Do you need help right now?

The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. The service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. 

We can help with issues such as anxiety, worry, panic attacks, bullying and depression and are here to talk at any time of day or night. 

If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.

We know that finding the right support is important, especially if you need someone to talk to right now. We aim to connect every texter to a trained volunteer promptly to provide crisis help. They will listen to you and help you think more clearly, enabling you to know that you can take the next step to feeling better.

This service is provided by Mental Health Innovations (MHI) and Crisis Text Line branded as SHOUT.  You can read the MHI privacy policy and terms of service here.

For details of other organisations offering support, please click on the Urgent help.

  • AFC Shout

    In crisis? Need support? Text AFC to 85258

    Download

This service is provided by Mental Health Innovations (MHI) and Crisis Text Line branded as SHOUT.  You can read the MHI privacy policy and terms of service here.

Download a poster for your school, college or workplace.

How does it work?

If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text AFC to 85258.

The trained Crisis Volunteer will introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace. You’ll text back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. By asking questions, listening to you and responding with support, they will help you sort through your feelings until you both feel you are now in a calm, safe place. You might be provided with some signposting to other services that can provide you with further help, so that you can continue to get support.

Crisis Messenger can help with urgent issues such as:

  • suicidal thoughts

  • abuse or assault

  • self-harm

  • bullying

  • relationship issues

Important information – mobile network disclaimer

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. Provided you are on one of the networks listed above, 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 that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill. This applies to a very small minority of operators.

It is not possible to text the service from some networks, which do not provide the capability to message short codes. These include Lyca mobile. If your message will not send, or if you do not receive an automated message in response, it is an indicator that the service is not working.

If in doubt, please contact your mobile phone network before texting, or email [info@giveusahout.org].

This service is powered by our trusted partners, Shout and Crisis Text Line.