Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger

If you are a bereaved young person, experiencing a crisis, the Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger text service offers free, 24/7 support.

Winston's Wish Crisis Messenger text service

Free, 24/7, text crisis support

Do you need help now? We know that finding the right support is important, especially if you need someone to talk to right now. The Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 anonymous crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a  crisis and need support, you can text WW to 85258. Save this number for when you might need it.

This service is powered by our trusted partners, Shout and Crisis Text Line.

How does it work?

If you’re experiencing a personal crisis and need support, text WW to 85258.

A trained volunteer will introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share how you are feeling. You’ll text each other, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. By asking questions, listening to you and responding with support, they will help you sort through your feelings until you both feel you are now in a calm, safe place. They might also signpost you to other services that can provide you with further help, so that you can continue to get support.

Text WW to 85258

Crisis Messenger can help with urgent issues such as:

Suicidal thoughts

Abuse or assault

Self-harm

Bullying

Relationship issues

You can text us free and anonymously – although if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999.

It is free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks:

EE, O2, Three and Vodafone

These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.

Some Android phones issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us, provided you are on one of these networks this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged. If you text us from a network that is not on this list there is a possibility that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill, this is because some networks do not provide the capability to message short codes.