Explore how Shout offers immediate, confidential help to anyone in distress—anytime, anywhere.
In times of crisis, it’s not always easy to speak up—but what if you could simply text? For millions in the UK, that’s no longer a question. Thanks to Shout, the country’s first 24/7 mental health support service conducted entirely over text, help is always just a few taps away.
Launched in 2019 by Mental Health Innovations with the support of the Royal Foundation, Shout has since become a digital lifeline for people of all ages facing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts. This free, confidential service connects individuals in crisis with trained volunteers who listen, support, and help people find a path to safety and calm—without judgment, and without the need to talk out loud.
A Modern Solution for a Growing Need
Mental health struggles are on the rise, particularly among young people and underserved communities. But traditional avenues for help often come with barriers: long wait times, limited hours, or the daunting prospect of talking face-to-face. Shout circumvents these obstacles by offering something refreshingly simple: support via text message, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Anyone in the UK can text "SHOUT" to 85258 to be connected to a trained volunteer. The service is powered by a robust platform that matches users with the next available responder, while safeguarding both the texter and the volunteer with layers of anonymity and security.
How It Works
Once a message is sent, texters typically receive a response within five minutes. A trained Shout Volunteer then engages with the texter to assess their situation, de-escalate any immediate risks, and help them find ways to cope or take next steps. On average, conversations last between 30 to 60 minutes.
The service is overseen by a team of clinical supervisors who monitor the platform around the clock. While most interactions are handled safely through de-escalation and empathetic conversation, supervisors can step in if a situation requires professional intervention.
What sets Shout apart is not just its accessibility, but its flexibility. It allows people to reach out from anywhere—on a bus, in a classroom, in bed at 3 a.m.—without having to explain themselves out loud or worry about being overheard. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever talked to someone about their mental health.
Who Uses Shout?
Since its inception, Shout has taken over 2 million conversations and helped more than 700,000 unique texters, with demand steadily growing year on year. The majority of users are under 25, but people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences use the service.
Many texters say they don’t have anyone else to talk to. Others may be on NHS waiting lists, dealing with financial stress, family issues, or identity-related challenges. Shout doesn’t require a diagnosis, paperwork, or any preconditions—just a willingness to reach out.
The People Behind the Support
Shout’s strength lies in its passionate network of over 2,500 trained volunteers, who come from all walks of life. Each volunteer undergoes 25+ hours of training, learning how to handle crisis situations, respond with empathy, and guide texters toward a calmer mindset.
These volunteers are supported by clinical professionals who ensure the service maintains high-quality support standards. Together, they form a compassionate, tech-powered community of care.
Why It Matters
As mental health services across the UK face ongoing pressure, services like Shout are not just filling the gap—they’re redefining how care is delivered. By offering free, immediate, text-based help, Shout meets people where they are—emotionally and literally.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Shout offers a quiet, steady voice of support. It's not just a crisis line; it's a reassurance that someone is always listening.
Need Help?
If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or in crisis, text SHOUT to 85258. You’ll be connected to a trained volunteer who’s there to support you, day or night. It’s free, confidential, and won’t show up on your phone bill.
In an age where mental health challenges are increasingly common yet too often hidden, Shout offers something revolutionary in its simplicity: a safe space, in your pocket, anytime you need it.