Trust launches free webchat service for Herts residents
27 Aug 20
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (HFPT) has launched a new free webchat service for people in Hertfordshire who are experiencing mental health problems and would prefer to talk to a member of our helpline team online, rather than over the phone.
People can access the service by clicking on the red circle, which is on the right hand side of every page of HPFT’s website at: www.hpft.nhs.uk/. After providing name and date of birth details, as well as a contact number and postcode, people can live chat online with a member of the helpline team.
Support over the phone is still available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on: the new Freephone number: 0800 6444 101 and there is still the option to access our team of mental health professionals directly via the NHS 111 service. Selecting Option 2 for mental health services will automatically direct Herts callers to the 24/7 HPFT helpline team.
HPFT’s Executive Director of Service Delivery and Service User Experience Sandra Brookes said: “Some people, especially those who are feeling depressed or anxious find it easier to ask for support online, rather than speaking over the phone and our new webchat service is an ideal option for them.
“All our services are up and running and operating safely, so I would urge Herts residents to contact our helpline team, if they would like some mental health support for themselves or those they are caring for.”
Residents of Hertfordshire now have the following options:
- Use the webchat service, by clicking the red button to speak to a member of the helpline team online at : www.hpft.nhs.uk/
- Call our SPA helpline direct on: 0800 6444 101 which is open 24/7 or Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net for non-urgent enquiries
- Call NHS 111 and select Option 2, to go directly to our Single Point of Access (SPA) helpline.
The Wellbeing Service continues to provide support to adults experiencing common mental health problems including depression and anxiety. The service offers free access to innovative digital, video and telephoned based talking therapies including a wide range of self-help webinars and resources. There is more information on the website.