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Shout text service

  • Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are here for you.

About the service

Shout is a de-escalation, volunteer-driven service. They work with people in distress to take them to a calmer moment and empower them to take their next steps to feeling better and handle future issues. They help texters to plan for their safety and to use techniques that support their own wellbeing. They might signpost to further support services or their GP so that you can get continuous and long-term support.

Every conversation is overseen by a Clinical Supervisor and assessed for risk; their volunteers will never close a conversation where there is an imminent risk to someone’s life. If you have been texting for a while and a texter is not deemed to be at imminent risk, the volunteer will look to recap on the next steps with the texter and warmly close the conversation. This is so that they are able to help provide the service to other people who are also in distress and need in the moment support.

Shout is not a service that can provide regular, ongoing support and so if you have had 20 engaged conversations within 60 days, or five engaged conversations within 48 hours, they will let you know that we will need to limit your conversations to one conversation every 48 hours.

Make a referral

Text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer. You only need to share what you feel comfortable with and their volunteers will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better.

They will always try to respond to messages as quickly as possible, but responses can take longer at busy times. 

They will always respond to high risk texters as a priority.

Resources

Here you'll find resources and tips to support you when you're feeling anxious, low, stressed or overwhelmed: 

Shout resources to help you

These resources might also be helpful while you're waiting for a Shout Volunteer to become available to take your conversation.