About Shout 85258
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Shout launched publicly in 2019 and has had more than 900,000 conversations with people who are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, suicidal or stressed. With more than 2,500 volunteers in the UK and New Zealand, the service is available 24/7 for anyone who needs to start a conversation.
Everyday, Shout 85258 has life-saving conversations with people who feel they have nowhere else to turn – over half of those who text the service say that they didn’t feel like they had anyone else to talk to. Working with Beder will help them to reach more people around the UK who need support with their mental health, at the moment they need it most.
Shout texters say:
“Thanks for listening and being there. Just knowing I can open up to someone, without being judged or feeling like I’m a burden, really helps.”
“I just wanted to thank you again for talking to me tonight. It was really helpful to talk through some stuff that ultimately stopped me from ending my life.”
How Shout 85258 works
Shout 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.
What happens when you use the service?
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 Shout you’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of the 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, Shout 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.