Description
Shout is the UK's first free 24/7 crisis text line available for anyone, anytime, anywhere. The service is anonymous and off bill. It is powered by a nationwide team of Crisis Volunteers, supported by expert Clinical Supervisors.
This is a place to go if you're experiencing a personal crisis, unable to cope and need immediate help.
How Shout 85258 works
Our trained volunteers are there for you 24/7 to listen and support you to get to a calmer and safe place. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK. It won’t appear on your phone bill.
To start a conversation, text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258.
If your life is at imminent risk, call the emergency services on 999.
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. Connect
Once you text us you’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of our empathetic Shout Volunteers. This will usually be within 5 minutes, but if we are busy it can take longer.
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. 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. 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.
Opening Times
24 hours, 7 days a week.