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How Shout works

What is Shout?

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.

To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.

If your life is at imminent risk, please call the emergency services on 999.

Get help
Teenage boy texting on a mobile phone

How does Shout work?

Watch this short video to find out more about what to expect when you use the service.

What happens when you use the service?

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  1. 1. Text

    To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal or not quite yourself, we are here for you.

  2. 2. Connect

    Once you text us you’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of our empathetic Shout Volunteers.

  3. 3. Chat

    The volunteer will introduce themselves and ask you to share a bit more about what’s bothering you. This might include feeling anxious, having relationship problems, addiction, depression, bullying, self-harm and suicide. You will text back and forth and share what you feel comfortable with.

  4. 4. Plan

    The goal of the conversation is to help you reach a calm and safe place, with a plan of how to support yourself going forwards. As well as listening without judgement, our volunteers may provide you with further resources or tools to help you get more expert support.

  5. 5. Calm

    As the conversation comes to a close we encourage you to reflect on the thoughts, feelings and experiences you've explored, how you want things to be and how you may be able to get there. You'll be safe in the knowledge that if you're in distress again and struggling to cope that we're here 24/7. Conversations tend to last around 45-60 minutes.

Common questions people ask

Thank you for helping me tonight. Things have been rough lately but talking to you helped a lot. I feel a lot better and the resources you provided are very helpful. I cannot thank you enough.

Shout texter