Mental Health Text Service SHOUT

Mental Health Text Service SHOUT

Dear NHM users,

Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and West Mercia Police would like to share information regarding an NHS supported mental health service called SHOUT.

SHOUT is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

As a digital service, Shout became vital during Covid-19, as one of the few mental health services able to operate as normal at this time. We have seen the need for our support remain high through the UK's cost of living crisis.

Shout is powered by the charity Mental Health Innovations, which also powers The Mix, a service providing free, anonymous online advice about the important issues in young people’s lives.

How does the service work?

Shout is a service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health, mental health professionals who can support texters with issues such as anxiety and stress, isolation and loneliness, low mood, self-harm, relationship issues and suicidal thoughts or feelings. The service is anonymous and does not show up on phone bills. It is free to use on all major UK mobile networks.

Its Impact.

Shout have had a positive impact in a widespread and important issue affecting a lot of lives today.

They have taken more than 2.8 million text conversations with 900,000 children, young people and adults who are in distress and need urgent, in-the-moment support.

They have recruited and trained over 14,000 Shout Volunteers.

They have around 2,000 conversations every day. As a 24/7 service, texters contact us round the clock.

The most commonly supported texters include those being affected by thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, relationships, loneliness and self-harm.

How texters feel about Shout.

86% say the conversation they had was helpful.

59% say they texted us because they didn't have anyone else to talk to.

43% say that texting Shout was the first time they asked anyone for help with their mental health.

More information and resources to help you, visit their website Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258.

But more importantly if you are struggling to cope text the word ‘Shout’ or ‘STW’ to 85258 for support, where their mental health professionals are available and can help if you’re feeling stressed, isolated or low with it being Free and Confidential support that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

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

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Michael Hogg
(Police, Police Constable, Oswestry Rural North)