Emma Payne, the CEO of Help Texts, has created a subscription service that provides customized, supportive text messages for individuals experiencing grief, caregiving for a loved one, or wanting mental health care. The messages are pre-written by humans and do not attempt to engage in a conversation, offering a one-way therapeutic support. Despite this, over 83% of users in the UK who had experienced a loss kept their subscriptions for a full year, with over 95% finding the program helpful and supportive.
The idea for Help Texts came to Payne after attending a friend’s memorial service in 2015. Sitting with people who expressed regret for not reaching out sooner, Payne felt the need for a service that could provide thoughtful messages to those experiencing grief. Within three years, she launched Help Texts. Subscribers provide personal information to customize the texts, including details about the deceased loved one and important dates. Users can also nominate friends, family, or colleagues to receive texts encouraging them to reach out to the bereaved.
Help Texts is available in 24 languages and used by subscribers in 44 countries. The service costs $99 for a 12-month subscription and is utilized by individuals, employers, healthcare organizations, and other institutions. While Help Texts does not engage in dialogue with subscribers, they monitor messages and respond to those in need of assistance, such as those expressing suicidal thoughts. Payne has raised over $1 million from investors and is seeking further funding for the startup, which currently has six employees.
Initially challenged by slow customer growth, Help Texts saw increased interest during the COVID-19 pandemic as digital healthcare solutions gained momentum. The company has expanded its offerings to include messages for those grieving the loss of a pet and healthcare workers experiencing burnout. Help Texts also provides guidance for healthcare workers on how to support grieving patients and families, an area often lacking in training for healthcare providers. Payne sees bereavement care as an overlooked aspect of healthcare with the opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals during their most vulnerable times.
Payne, a seasoned entrepreneur, has focused on creating a financially viable and scalable business with Help Texts. She began charging for the service from the start and has maintained profitability. While the platform does not use generative AI for conversations, it uses AI in a limited capacity for running the service. Payne believes that this dataset could be utilized to train therapists in treating individuals who are grieving and sees the opportunity to make a difference in public health through bereavement care.
Overall, Help Texts has provided thousands of users around the world with supportive, helpful messages during times of grief and mental health challenges. The company’s success in offering personalized support without engaging in direct conversations has resonated with individuals seeking therapeutic support during difficult times. As Payne continues to expand the reach and offerings of Help Texts, the opportunity to positively impact individuals’ mental health and well-being during vulnerable times remains a central focus of the company.
