For texters
What is Shout?
Shout 85258 is a 24/7 UK text messaging service for times when people feel they need immediate support.
Who can use Shout 85258?
Anyone of any age, who is a resident in the UK, can text the service for support.
Is Shout the right service for me?
Shout 85258 is a de-escalation, volunteer-driven service. This means that we work with people in immediate distress to take them to a calmer moment and empower them with support and techniques to take their next steps to feeling better and handle future issues, as well as possibly signposting someone to further support services or their GP so that they can get continuous and long-term support.
Every conversation is overseen by a Clinical supervisor and assessed for risk; our volunteers will never close a conversation where there is an imminent risk to someone’s life. If we 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 we are able to help provide our 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 5 engaged conversations within 48 hours, we will let you know that we will need to limit your conversations to one conversation every 48 hours.
Please always call 999 if your life is at imminent risk.
You can also find a list of helpful resources to explore here: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/resources
Why does Shout 85258 exist?
We exist to provide support to anyone, anywhere and at any time who may be experiencing a challenging time with their mental health.
When was Shout 85258 set up and launched?
Shout was publicly launched in May 2019, after a year long pilot phase. It is based on the successful US model Crisis Text Line.
How does the service work?
An individual will text ‘SHOUT’ or another partner keyword to ‘85258’ when in need of support. This service is available 24/7 to people in the UK.
1. The texter will then receive an automated text asking them about the nature of their problem. This text will also let the individual know that they are being connected to a trained Shout Volunteer. The aim is to respond to all texters within five minutes, but wait times may be longer during busy periods.
2. Once connected, the Shout Volunteer will introduce themselves. The texter and volunteer will communicate back and forth via text message, using Shout’s secure platform.
3. Our Shout Volunteers use empathetic and effective active listening techniques, establish goals and discover next steps to move our texters from a hot moment, to a cool calm, until the texter feels calm and safe.
4. Towards the end of the conversation, the Shout Volunteer can provide resources that provide further help and support for longer-term mental health experiences.
Why might someone text Shout 85258?
There are many reasons why people may get in touch with Shout 85258, and our Shout Volunteers will provide 24/7 support and guidance, no matter what the issue. Shout supports people experiencing any type of personal mental health concern. It might be that texters feel anxious or stressed, isolated, lonely or grieving. They may be experiencing eating or body issues or substance misuse. Perhaps they have experienced bullying, depression or sadness, or have relationship worries, or self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or concerns about sexual identity may also be prompts for texting in.
Does Shout 85258 provide therapy?
The service provides immediate support for all types of mental health challenges, taking people who are struggling to cope to a place of calm every day of the week. This should not be confused with therapy.
Our trained volunteers provide texters with empathetic support and techniques to handle future problems, as well as directing them towards longer-term support and/or therapy for their particular concerns. It’s not a one way process: you won’t be told what to do. Shout 85258 is a volunteer-driven, de-escalation service. We may not be able to provide you with the kind of service you might need, if you are looking for continuous regular support.
Shout Volunteers work with you to address your moment of challenge and look to move forward.
What mobile phone networks can I text Shout from?
You can text Shout 85258 free and anonymously from all major UK networks. It is free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.
If you are contacting us from a network listed above, and the service does not appear to be working for you, please reply with your mobile phone number and network provider at [email protected]. We need this information to be able to investigate the circumstances.
Some Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy handset, issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us. Provided you are on one of the networks listed here, this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged.
Please note – if you have been issued with the warning message and you have hit deny, you will not be able to send an SMS to our service as you have set a block setting on your Android device to prevent you from texting us. We have some instructions available here which will help you change your settings and be able to text us again.
If you text us from a network that is not on this list there is a possibility that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill. This applies to a very small minority of operators. If your mobile network is not listed here, please check with your mobile network operator directly.
It is not possible to text the service from some networks, which do not provide the capability to message short codes. These include Lyca mobile, Smarty and EcoTalk. This is because some networks do not provide the capability to message short codes. If your message will not send, or if you do not receive an automated message in response, it is an indicator that the service is not working on your network and you should reach out to your Mobile Network provider. You can find alternate ways to get support via https://www.headstogether.org.uk/get-support/
How long do I have to wait for a Shout Volunteer?
Our goal is to respond to every texter in under 5 minutes. During times of high volume, (e.g. at night or on high awareness days such as ‘World Mental Health Day’), wait times may be longer.
Is there a character limit when texting Shout 85258
Yes, our system is only able to process 160 characters in one message.
Can I text in more than once?
Shout 85258 is here to provide in the moment support for people who are struggling to cope. This can be for a number of different issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, relationship problems, bullying, sexuality and gender issues and more. While people do text us more than once, our trained volunteers are there to provide users with empathetic support and techniques to handle future issues, as well as directing texters for where to find longer-term support and/or therapy for their particular concerns. If you text the service regularly, that is if you have had 20 engaged conversations within 60 days or 5 engaged conversations within 48 hours, we will let you know that we will need to limit your conversations to one conversation every 48 hours. We can also direct you to an appropriate service such as the NHS or other specialist charities to get further support.
Will you be able to provide me with regular, long term support?
Given that we are a de-escalation, volunteer-driven organisation, we may not be able to provide you with the kind of service you might need, if you are looking for continuous regular support. We recommend that you speak with your local GP or if applicable your mental health support team.
Are my messages with Shout 85258 confidential?
Messages with Shout 85258 are confidential unless we’re concerned about someone’s safety. If a texter is believed to be in imminent danger or a safeguarding issue is raised, the Clinical Supervisor (who monitors all conversations on the platform to ensure the right support is being given) will share the texter’s details with emergency services or appropriate authorities in order to keep them safe.
In cases when a texter is in immediate danger of suicide or homicide, as determined by a risk assessment by the Shout Volunteer and Supervisor, our first step is to try to work with the texter to form a safety plan.
If the texter is unable to plan for their own safety, the Supervisor may contact emergency services, who may dispatch a wellness check. We take your confidentiality seriously. Please view our terms of service.
Do you store my details?
We analyse anonymised data from conversations in order to improve the service and to better understand the mental health of texters. We sometimes share some of this anonymised data with carefully selected and screened academic partners for research purposes, but the data is always anonymised, and access is controlled through our secure systems.
Following conversations, some of our texters choose to leave feedback for the service. This feedback is sent to us anonymously and any personally identifying information is removed. We sometimes share anonymised texter feedback on our social media channels.
If a texter is believed to be in imminent danger or a safeguarding issue is raised, the Clinical Supervisor (who monitors all conversations on the platform to ensure the right support is being given) will share the texter’s details with emergency services or appropriate authorities.
I want to stop my conversation with a Shout Volunteer
Message us with the word ‘STOP’ at anytime during a conversation to end the conversation. Our volunteer will not message you again once you have ended the conversation. If you would like to start the conversation again, text 85258 saying ‘START’.
How will this information be used?
The anonymised data we collate helps to provide unique insights into mental health trends to help improve people’s lives across the UK.
I want my conversation with Shout deleted from your system
Message us with the word LOOFAH following your conversation and we’ll remove or ‘scrub’ your data from our system.
Who are the Shout Volunteers?
Our dedicated and trained Shout Volunteers are real people from all around the UK. After a rigorous multi-stage application process, background checks and a 25-hour training program, each Shout Volunteer commits to volunteering for 2-4 hours a week.
Are Shout Volunteers supervised?
Yes. Our experienced, full-time Clinical Supervisors* oversee and assist our volunteers on the platform. *Clinical Supervisors all have Master’s degrees in a relevant field, or commensurate crisis intervention experience.
How do Shout Volunteers receive messages from people?
Shout Volunteers interact with texters through a secure online platform. They respond to text messages through their personal laptop or desktop computer, during their scheduled shifts. The text messages appear like an Instant Messenger. The volunteer cannot see the texter’s phone number.
How are Shout Volunteers trained?
Volunteer training involves 25 online hours which are undertaken at the volunteer’s own pace over a 6-week period. The training includes online video content and interactive exercises to enable volunteers to learn skills around empathetically engaging with texters on a variety of presenting issues, which may range from exam stress to self harm or suicidal thoughts. The training provides a methodology for assessing and managing a texter’s situation and/or any risk that the texter might be in as well as a way of helping texters to develop a plan to support their safety following the conversation.
I’d like to complain about Shout
If you’re not happy with something that we have done, please write to us or email [email protected] and we’ll look in to what happened in line with our Complaints Policy.
What policies must Shout Volunteers follow?
You can read our volunteer policies and guidelines here.
What is safeguarding at Shout?
Safeguarding is about keeping all children and young people safe and making sure they can grow up with the best chances.
The law says that we must make sure that when you text us, we do what we can to protect you.
Shout Volunteers are trained to listen, to help you express what is on your mind and to help you to stay safe.
Find out more about safeguarding at Shout.
For volunteers
How can I become a Shout Volunteer?
We are currently looking for volunteers to give empathetic support to texters. If this sounds like something you’re interested in you can find out more here.
What are the requirements for becoming a Shout Volunteer?
To become a Shout Volunteer, you must:
Be a resident in the UK or New Zealand – you are only able to volunteer for Shout 85258 from the UK or New Zealand.
Be at least 18 years old – no-one under 18 years can volunteer for Shout 85258.
Have a secure internet connection – you need to have access to a computer with a secure, reliable internet connection to volunteer with Shout 85258. You respond to text messages using your laptop and a secure online platform. A mobile phone or tablet device is not suitable. We also recommend Google Chrome browser.
Fill out an application form – all volunteers must submit an online application for review by the Shout Admissions Team.
Provide two referees – we ask that you provide the names and contact details of two referees that can support you and your application. We ask that one of these referees is professional. We do not accept family members as referees.
Volunteer commitment – we ask our volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours per week.
I do not have a professional referee. Who can support my application?
If you cannot gain a professional reference, we also accept:
– Religious leader
– Teacher/Educator (a Personal Tutor, Lecturer, Careers Advisor)
– Doctor/Health Visitor
– Lawyer
All referees must submit their reference to us through our online form. You can add a new referee to your application at any time by logging into your application dashboard at home.speakuptime.org.
What is the volunteer commitment at Shout 85258?
We ask our volunteers to commit to volunteer for 2-4 hours per week.
When is the next Shout volunteer training?
We accept applications on a rolling basis. A new training cohort starts every two weeks. We are always looking for people to sign up to become volunteers. Once we’ve received your completed application and references it can take up to ten working days to review your application. Once you are accepted into the programme, you have two attempts to complete the training. You will be asked to reapply if you are unable to complete the training after two attempts. Accepted applicants should evaluate their personal commitments and needs when choosing to volunteer with Shout 85258. It is an important commitment and we do ask that you only go ahead with the training if you are ready to take this on. We are a charity and training our volunteers costs money. We’re excited to meet you!
Can I volunteer for Shout 85258 as a placement?
We love students and welcome them to apply to volunteer with us!
Shout 85258 is currently unable to serve as a field placement or to sign any third-party community service documentation. We do offer letters of verification once you volunteer with us. These detail the number of hours you have completed, the number of texters you have supported, and also this letter gives a short summary of the work you complete as a Shout Volunteer. Volunteers can download a letter of verification from their Profile at any time.
Other
How is Shout 85258 funded and supported?
We’re funded and supported by a number of organisations. Please see our Supporters page for more information.
What are Shout 85258’s costs?
The majority of Shout’s costs are on its clinical and coaching team in order to best support our texters and Shout Volunteers. We also need to fund our technology, and our data insights, operational and management teams.
How can I donate to Shout 85258?
You can find out more about donating to Shout here.
Can organisations partner with Shout 85258?
Shout is partnered with organisations across the country, from large charities like The Mix and YoungMinds to more local organisations. We create new partnerships to make sure the service can provide support to all of those in need, and are continually adding to this list of partners for the same reason. Find out more about partnering with Shout here: Partner with us
Can I get marketing materials to share with my community?
You can download resources to help ‘Shout about it’ on our Share the number page.
Who do I contact for a media enquiry?
Email [email protected].
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Email us at [email protected].
Facebook fundraising challenges
What do the challenges involve?
Taking part in one of our Facebook fundraising challenges involves raising money for Shout by taking on a virtual challenge in any way that suits you.
Get started by setting up your Registration and Facebook Fundraiser. Complete this step by clicking the blue ‘SUBMIT & ACTIVATE A FUNDRAISER’ button when prompted.
Once it’s live, share your Facebook Fundraiser with friends, family and colleagues, as your first donation triggers your free gift for taking part. This time around, that’s an exclusive Shout baseball cap, perfect for your runs and walks.
Don’t forget to join the friendly Facebook group for motivation and support, introduce yourself and why you’re fundraising for Shout, and wear your cap as you take part!
I’ve signed up, now what?
The sign up process is complete once you’ve set up your Registration and Facebook Fundraiser.
Join the Facebook group dedicated to the challenge by clicking ‘Join Group’.
Remember to read the group rules and to introduce yourself. Once you’re in, you’ll see fitness and fundraising tips, be inspired by and find support from fellow Shout fundraisers.
How do I get my FREE Shout cap?
Set up your Registration and Facebook Fundraiser, clicking the blue ‘SUBMIT & ACTIVATE A FUNDRAISER’ button when prompted.
Then simply secure your first donation to qualify for your free cap 🧢
Please allow 10 working days from your first donation for your cap to arrive. Do let us know if your Facebook name is different to the name you registered with, as this may delay your free gift.
Caps are available while stocks last.
How do I get my first donation?
You could kick-start your fundraiser – and trigger your free gift – by making a donation to your own Facebook Fundraiser.
We recommend that you share your Facebook Fundraiser on social media with a message to tell people why you’re taking on this challenge, and regularly update friends and family with how you’re getting on. Include a photo of you taking on the challenge or a graphic from our fundraising pack. Remember to always link to your Facebook Fundraiser to make it easy for them to donate.
Use our sponsorship form to collect offline donations and when you come close to it, raise your fundraising target!
Can I sign up if I don’t have Facebook?
Although we encourage you to join our Facebook group, we understand that not everyone is on this social network. You can still to take part by setting up a fundraising page for Shout here.
I submitted the registration form without activating a fundraiser – what do I do now?
To complete your registration, you will need to activate your Facebook Fundraiser using this link.
Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll want to let everyone know you’re taking part, as your free Shout cap will be triggered by your first donation.
We hope you enjoy wearing it as you fundraise and get those miles in for mental health!
Is there a minimum sponsorship requirement?
We don’t set a minimum fundraising target for participants. We ask that you set a reasonable target for you and increase this as you go!
As a starting point, we recommend aiming to raise £250 as this can pay to train a Shout Volunteer to take conversations with the hundreds of people texting Shout for support every day.
Do I have to fundraise to take part in the challenge?
Yes, this is a fundraising challenge.
Every pound you raise will help Shout continue to support around 2,000 children and adults on any given day. Just £10 can provide one hour of mental health support to someone in crisis. Every penny helps!
Do I need to prove how many miles I’ve run?
No – we trust you! You don’t need to provide evidence that you’ve completed the challenge to us, but we recommend regularly updating family and friends on your challenge to encourage donations.
Keep them posted by sharing photos, videos and updates on your Facebook Fundraiser and social media pages throughout the month – the more updates the better.
Do I have to complete the challenge in September?
While we’ll be encouraging most people to take part from the 1-30 September, this is a personal challenge so you can start and finish at a time that is most suitable and convenient for you.
Just make sure that your challenge end date isn’t set to end before you do! Check this by going to ‘Edit’ on your fundraising page.
How do I track my miles?
Walking and running apps are helpful tools and make it easy to share your progress with friends and family. However, if you are using these to share your runs, please do not reveal your exact location or time of day you’re running for safety reasons. Do not ask others for this information, either.
You’ll also receive a tracking card with your cap which you can use to record your progress and share a photo of once you’ve completed the challenge!
Who is GivePanel?
We are using GivePanel as a fundraising tool to give your fundraising page a unique look for this challenge. When you give them permission to manage your fundraisers as part of the sign up process, it only means to manage the look of the page. It doesn’t affect anything else.