A new textline system for mental health is being launched by the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust.
The service will allow those who are suffering with a mental health crisis to access 24-hour help.
The system is due to begin in December and will be available to mental health patients who are already known by the trust, as well as non-patients.
It plans to work alongside the current NHS mental health support available via the 111 number.
Documents from the trust's board of directors meeting reveal that the system is set to be implemented in stages, with the total cost of the first four months amounting to approximately £160,000.
Chief operating officer of the trust, Donna Robinson, says that the system is intended to make services more accessible and is designed to be “streamlined and easy to navigate.”
She said: “We know that some people may find it difficult to make an initial call and this new way of contacting us may be that important first step to reach out and get the support they need, whether for themselves or a loved one.
“It will mean that individuals can seek help whenever they need it, such as late at night or holidays when other support services may be limited.”
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