Nationwide Bank Partners with Shout to Offer 24/7 Mental Health Support via Text
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Nationwide Building Society has partnered with Mental Health Innovations, the charity behind the 24/7 text messaging support service Shout, to provide confidential mental health support to its customers and their families. This initiative aims to offer an accessible choice to phone-based support, notably during peak times of need – specifically between 9 pm and 2 am – when demand for mental health services is highest.
addressing a Growing Need for Accessible Mental Health Support
Recognizing the link between financial difficulties and mental health challenges, Nationwide is equipping its customer-facing teams with enhanced training to identify customers who may benefit from the service. The partnership provides an additional tool for staff to offer support, ensuring customers have a safe and confidential way to access help around the clock.
“We know mental health challenges can hit without warning alongside financial difficulty,” said kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide. “for some, talking on the phone feels impractical or is impossible – our partnership with shout gives our customer-facing teams an additional tool to provide customers with an accessible, safe and confidential way to help 24/7.” https://www.nationwide-internationals.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/nationwide-partners-with-shout-to-offer-247-mental-health-support-via-text/
How the Partnership Works: Text ‘NATION’ to 85258
Customers and their family members can access the support by simply texting ‘NATION’ to 85258.This immediately connects them with a trained crisis volunteer who can provide confidential support via text message.
Francesca Huges, Partnership Manager for Mental Health Innovations, emphasized the importance of immediate access, stating, “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Nationwide on this exciting initiative. Together, we’re using digital innovation to make mental health support more accessible and immediate…This partnership ensures no one has to face those moments alone.” https://www.nationwide-internationals.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/nationwide-partners-with-shout-to-offer-247-mental-health-support-via-text/
Part of a broader Commitment to Vulnerable Customers
This partnership with Shout is part of Nationwide’s wider commitment to supporting vulnerable customers and improving accessibility to banking services. Nationwide has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping all 696 of its Nationwide and Virgin Money branches open until 2030, a move praised by consumer advocates. https://www.nationwide-internationals.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/nationwide-confirms-branch-network-until-2030/
Other initiatives include:
* Providing safe spaces in branches for those experiencing domestic abuse.
* Offering in-branch Dementia UK clinics.
* Developing Easy Read guides to simplify banking information.
“Nationwide continues to strive to make banking fairer, more accessible and more inclusive,” added Ms. Townsend.
Key Takeaways
* Nationwide has partnered with Shout to offer 24/7 mental health support via text.
* Customers can access support by texting ‘NATION’ to 85258.
* The service is confidential and provides immediate access to trained crisis volunteers.
* This initiative is part of Nationwide’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable customers and improving accessibility.
This partnership demonstrates Nationwide’s proactive approach to addressing the growing need for accessible mental health support, particularly for those facing financial challenges. By leveraging digital innovation and empowering its staff, Nationwide aims to ensure that customers have the resources they need to navigate tough times and prioritize their well-being.As mental health awareness continues to rise, initiatives like this will be crucial in bridging the gap between need and access to care.