HOW THE SERVICE WORKS
Text About It by spunout is a free, anonymous, 24/7 empathetic and non-judgmental listening service, providing human-to-human support to anyone who needs someone to talk to.
At the heart of the service is a simple belief: That everyone deserves to feel heard. If it matters to you, it matters to us.
When someone reaches out to Text About It, they are connected with a trained volunteer whose role is to listen without judgment and support you in making sense of what you are experiencing at your own pace and in ways that are comfortable for you to share. During the conversation, we will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, listening to you, and offering support.
Text About It believes that being truly listened to matters. Open to anyone who reaches out, we’re warm, non-judgmental, and human. We’re not a crisis intervention or clinical treatment service. Where appropriate, you may be provided with information about additional services or resources so that support can continue beyond our conversation.
And remember, whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Text HELLO to 50808 for free
To start a conversation with us, message the word ‘HELLO’ for free via WhatsApp or to 50808. You’ll get two automated messages in response. The first will outline our terms and conditions and the second will simply ask “What’s going on for you?”
Remember: 48, An Post & Clear Mobile customers should use WhatsApp for free or text ‘HELLO’ to 0861800280, standard SMS charges may apply.
Share a little bit about why you’re messaging
Tell us a little bit about what brought you to contact us. Remember you can message us for any reason and about any issue. If it matters to you, it matters to us. Text About It by spunout is a safe space to share anonymously.
Wait to be connected with a trained volunteer
Once you tell us a little bit about what’s going on for you, you will be connected with your dedicated volunteer. We aim to respond within 5 minutes, but sometimes this can take a little longer during busy times.
You are connected with a volunteer
The volunteer will introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace. You’ll message back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. We are here to support you.
Text About It is only human to human, you will not be talking to a chatbot or AI.
Sorting through your feelings and finding calm
During your conversation we will ask questions, listen to you, and respond with support. Your volunteer will help you sort through your feelings and experiences. By the end of our conversation we hope you feel calmer, safer, and a little less alone.
Next steps and options for further support
You may also be provided with some information about other services or resources offered by our partner organisations, so that you can continue to get support.
Some things to remember:
If at any time you want to end the conversation, you can message STOP and you won’t receive any further messages.
If our team believes you or someone else is at imminent risk, we will contact the emergency services to ensure your safety and your care will be transferred to the emergency services.
This is a collaborative process. You will work with your volunteer at a pace that is right for you, sharing what is comfortable for you, while exploring options to move forward.
Our volunteers are unable to provide clinical advice and the service does not provide therapy, or long-term clinical care or support.
If your phone network doesn’t support short codes like 50808, you can reach us using WhatsApp or 0861800280, however standard messaging rates may apply to this number.
