Industry charity partners with mental health text support service

Today on World Mental Health Day (Monday 10 October), The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is pleased to announce the launch of a partnership with the free, 24/7, confidential text service Shout, aimed at supporting anyone working in the UK furnishing industry.

To start a conversation with a trained volunteer, users simply need to text the word ‘COMFORT’ to 85258. This new targeted support has been made possible through a partnership with Mental Health Innovations, the charity behind Shout.

Shout is a silent and anonymous service that can help with issues such as anxiety, bullying, depression, loneliness or isolation, money worries, relationship problems, self-harm, stress and suicide. Shout Volunteers are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is struggling to cope.

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We’re proud to partner with Mental Health Innovations to offer free and confidential support round the clock to anyone who needs to talk. Simply text the word COMFORT to 85258 to be connected to a trained volunteer who can help with anything you’re struggling with, including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression. If your life is at imminent risk, call the emergency services on 999.”

“With the current cost of living crisis putting additional pressure on families up and down the country, now more than ever there may be people struggling and unaware of where to turn. We hope our new text support service will provide comfort to those working in our trade who need someone to talk to.”

Victoria Hornby OBE, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, which powers Shout, said:

“We are pleased to be working with The Furniture Makers’ Company to raise crucial awareness of mental health and let anyone working in the UK furnishing industry know that free, confidential help is available to them 24/7 through Shout. Whatever you’re going through, our trained volunteers are here to support you around the clock and work with you to find a way forward. Our partnership will help more people who are struggling to cope get the support they need, when they need it.”

For more information, go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/crisis-text-service/