Network Rail is launching its latest campaign, ‘Make a Connection’ which aims to support mental health and sees members of the public able to text the word ‘Journey’ to 85258 free, to access confidential round-the-clock mental health support via the Shout text service.

The campaign has been created with the digital charity Mental Health Innovation, which operates the Shout service.

The launch today (10th Oct) coincides with World Mental Health Day and comes as part of the rail industry’s ongoing attempts to reduce suicides on the network. The campaign aims to provide members of the public with a fast connection to mental health support.

A recent report using anonymised data to converse with 680,000 people using the ‘Shout’ service across the nation revealed that 17% were facing loneliness. Data from the report shows that those contacting the service due to loneliness were from the following age brackets:

• • 65% were under the age 25 years of age
  • 27% were aged between 14 and 17 years
  • 9% were aged 13 years and under

There are many reasons found within the report for loneliness, such as relationship breakdowns, bereavement and relocation. The report also reveals that the making of meaningful connections involving full support and feeling valued is vital in creating positive mental health and marks the key to working against loneliness.

Emily Middlebrough has discussed the importance of making meaningful connections after becoming isolated at university and getting her diagnosis with bipolar disorder at the age of 22. Emily got in touch with the Shout service in order to get support which offered a silent and discreet way to get help and starting her journey to recovery. Emily is now writing about her experiences with bipolar disorder in an attempt to show other people that they are not alone and was so inspired by the service that she has become a volunteer with Shout.

Emily said:

“Just being able to message someone who would listen without judgement to all my worries and how much I was struggling with my diagnosis was a game changer. They didn’t tell me what to do or how to feel, instead empowering me to make my own decisions about my care and what I needed at that time.”

“The experience has helped to shape the person I am today, and I’d encourage everyone to talk about how they’re feeling. Reaching out for help and making that connection made a real difference.”

Dr Mark Ungless, Director of Data Insights, Mental Health Innovations said:

“Making meaningful connections plays an important role in supporting good mental health and wellbeing. Shout is playing a crucial role in offering people the opportunity to make a meaningful, digital connection when they are feeling lonely and in distress.”

Louise McNally, suicide prevention lead, Network Rail said:

“World Mental Health Day is a timely reminder that we continue to look out for each other and ourselves. That’s why we’re encouraging people to make that important connection through the Shout text message support service.”

To learn more about the Make a Connection campaign, please click here.