We use necessary cookies that allow our site to work. We also set optional cookies that help us improve our website. For more information about the types of cookies we use, visit our Cookies policy.

Cookie settings
volunteer_header.jpg
20 September 2024

New report highlights the global impact of online crisis volunteers

A new report highlighting the combined impact of 100,000 online crisis volunteers from Mental Health Innovation (the charity which runs the Shout text service) and its digital partners Crisis Text Line, SpunOut and Kids Help Phone has highlighted the impact that Shout Volunteers and their counterparts in the US, Canada and Ireland are having in responding to the growing demand for global mental health support.

The findings from 'The impact of online crisis volunteers' have shown that through the skills and training our volunteers develop, the impact goes far beyond the platform and helping texters. Armed with mental health skills, volunteers are having an impact on their own communities too, and in turn feeding into wider society.

Resoundingly, the benefits go far beyond the platform, with volunteers developing active listening skills and empathy, the confidence and skills required to begin studying or pursue a career in mental health, and an increased understanding of how to support those around them, all of which are benefiting their wider communities too.

Through our unique training model, we’re adding capacity to the mental health workforce, helping volunteers to secure and retain employment in the sector.

It feels rewarding to help people. It also builds my compassion and patience with people in my own life too and gives me a sense of purpose and meaning.

Shout Volunteer

Key insights find that online volunteering:

Contributes to personal growth
Volunteers develop skills and knowledge through training and engaging with texters and clinical supervisors that help their own personal growth and development. UK-specific data reveals that 100% of Shout Volunteers say their active listening and empathy skills have increased.

Inspires agents of change
Volunteers actively apply the skills and knowledge they acquire with their friends, families, and work colleagues. This extends the reach of the
partner organisations beyond their platforms and contributes to tackling mental health stereotypes and influencing positive social change.

Strengthens societal resilience
Volunteers develop active listening, empathetic communication, and increased compassion for others. These life skills heighten their awareness of others and themselves, and contribute to forming healthier, more connected and resilient communities and societies.

Read the report
Volunteer at laptop.png

Fosters connections and makes people feel less lonely
Volunteers feel more connected to their friends and family, and volunteering makes it easier for them to meet new people outside of the platform. Our findings reveal that 90% of Shout Volunteers feel more connected to others.

Influences career pathways and contributes to global mental health capacity
This is particularly true for younger volunteers under 25, many of whom are inspired by volunteering to pursue careers in mental health fields. UK-specific Shout data shows the impact volunteering is having on education and employment, with the findings revealing that Shout volunteering influences education and career pathways and contributes to the growth of the mental health workforce, supporting people, particularly young volunteers aged under 25, to find and retain employment. 61% of under 25-year-olds have told us it has helped them secure employment and more than half of Shout Volunteers (52%) have said it inspired them to change careers.

Read the report
Woman volunteering for Shout 85258 text service

Find out more