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 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:

Text About It

• 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 instant messaging support

Childline offers an instant messaging support service on their website. These services allow you to chat 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 instant messaging service and their phone line 1800 66 66 66 is available 24/7
• Childline is for all young people in Ireland up to and including the age of 18
• Learn more about their service and connect with their Live Chat on their website

Pieta text message service

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

• Pieta currently offers 24/7 support through SMS text messages, text Help to 51444 to get started (standard text messaging rates apply)
• You can also call them on 1800 247 247. Their Crisis Helpline is operated by qualified and experienced therapists
• Learn more about the services offered at Pieta

LGBT Ireland instant messaging support

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

• LGBT Ireland’s instant messaging service is available 7 days a week, from 6:30pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday, from 4pm to 10pm Fridays, and from 4pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• Learn more about LGBT Ireland’s online chat support service

Bodywhys online chat support groups

Bodywhys supports people affected by eating disorders in Ireland.

• YouthConnect is a free, online chat based support group currently offered to people with eating disorders aged 13-18 years
• BodywhysConnect is a free, online chat based support group offered to people with eating disorders aged 18+
• These are both chat based support groups so there is no video or audio involved
• You can also contact Bodywhys for support by emailing [email protected]

Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?

• 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

If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.