Shout
Shout offers anonymous mental health support via text for people of all ages. The service is free, confidential, and available at any time.
How the service works
Shout is a free, confidential service for anyone finding it hard to say how they are feeling.
Anyone can text the word ‘HANTS’ to 85258′ to start a conversation day or night. The team at Shout consists of trained volunteers, who will text back and forth. Users only need to share what they feel comfortable with.
- The texter will receive an automated text asking about the nature of their problem.
- Once connected to a volunteer, they will aim to respond to all messages within 5 minutes (this may be longer during busy periods).
- The Shout volunteer will use empathetic and active listening techniques to establish goals and discover next steps for the texter.
- Towards the end of the conversation, the Shout volunteer can provide further resources for longer-term support and to help overcome future challenges.
How can Shout help?
The team can help with anything an individual is struggling with. This includes:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression or sadness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Panic-attacks
- Loneliness or isolation
- Abuse
- Bullying
- Grief
- Chronic pain
Shout volunteers work with people in distress to take them to a calmer moment and empower them to take the right steps to feel better and handle future issues. This can include signposting an individual to further support or their GP.
Other useful information
Shout is not a service that can provide ongoing support, on a regular basis. If an individual has had 20 engaged conversations within 60 days or 5 engaged conversations within 48 hours, the team will let them know they are nearing their limit and signpost to a service better suited for their needs.
Safeguarding is in place at Shout to ensure the safety of the young people that text the service. The team will always respect your privacy. This will only change if the team are worried you are being hurt, unsafe, in danger or if someone else is at risk of being hurt.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Shout
No, the service offers support through text for people of all ages.
The team at Shout consists of trained volunteers, who will text you back and forth.
Shout is not a service that can provide ongoing support, on a regular basis. If an individual has had 20 engaged conversations within 60 days or 5 engaged conversations within 48 hours, the team will let them know they are nearing their limit and signpost to a service better suited for their needs.
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Get in touch
Our friendly team at the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub are here to help.
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If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health help, please call 111 – the NHS non-emergency number. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free from any phone. They have specialist mental health nurses who can support adults and young people.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.