Text and instant message support services

More and more people are turning to text and instant message active listening support services instead of calling traditional phone helplines. Some young people find it easier to discuss and disclose their feelings over text and instant messages rather than talking to someone over the phone.

Fortunately, there are several text based and instant messaging active listening support services available in Ireland. Below you can find a list of the resources and services that these organisations have to offer.

Please note that you do not have to be depressed or suicidal to talk to the services listed below – they are available to talk about other things that may be worrying you or causing stress. Also note that all services listed below are free*, confidential, secure and staffed by trained volunteers.

*Standard text messaging rates may apply.

Text and instant message support services in Ireland

Here are a number of services you can get in touch with over text or instant message:

TextAboutIt

• Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
• Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin
• Find out more about our text message support service.

Childline text and instant messaging support

Childline offers text message and instant messaging support. These services allow you to talk with a counsellor about anything and receive support or help with whatever is worrying you at the moment. Whatever is said on the instant messaging service is confidential – so it will stay between you and Childline.

• Childline text and instant messaging services are available from 10am-4pm, and their phone line 1800 66 66 66 is 24 hours
• Text Talk to 50101 to talk to a trained counsellor by text message
• Learn more about their service and find their chatroom here

Pieta House text message and email support

 

Pieta House offers specialised treatment to clients who self-harm, suffer from suicidal ideation or have made suicide attempts.

• Pieta House currently offers 24/7 support through SMS text messages, text Help to 51444 to get started (standard text messaging rates apply) 

• You can also email them 24/7 by sending a message to [email protected]

• Learn more about the services offered at Pieta here

LGBT helpline instant messaging support

LGBT helpline is a non-judgemental service that listens to whatever is on your mind at the moment

• LGBT helpline chat service is available 7 days a week, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday, from 4pm to 9pm Fridays, and from 4pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• Learn more about LGBT helpline and find their chat service here

Gay Switchboard instant messaging support

You are free to talk about anything with Gay Switchboard. Typical conservation topics include coming out, gender identity, family issues, relationship issues, safe sex, bullying, and many more.

• Gay Switchboard is available to help via their instant messaging service 7 days a week, Monday through Friday from 6:30pm – 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2pm – 4pm
• You can find more information and their chat service here.