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'Shout' text messaging helpline launches

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced the launch of Shout, a new text messaging helpline that supports people in crisis.

Children looking at the phone

The tool, established by Mental Health Innovations in partnership with Crisis Text Line and supported by The Royal Foundation, was piloted in Place2Be secondary schools, allowing young people to access support 24/7 and especially during school holidays.

Crisis Text Line is already used in the USA (with 100 million messages exchanged since 2013) and now Shout is being rolled out for everyone in the UK.

The text line will be staffed by trained volunteers and overseen by experienced, qualified clinical supervisors, with robust safeguarding procedures. All texts are confidential, unless sharing with emergency services is necessary for the texter’s safety.

In a video His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge launched an appeal for people to apply as volunteers.

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this service, knowing it has the potential to reach thousands of vulnerable people every day. Over the last few months Shout has started working quietly behind the scenes. We have all been able to see the service working up close and are so excited for its future." Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be said:

''Place2Be is delighted to be working with Shout to improve the service we offer to young people and schools, by providing a further channel to complement and increase our capacity during school, out of school hours and in school holidays.

Shout also offers young people a greater choice in how they can access support, depending on what feels most comfortable for them Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be

additionally volunteering with Shout could also provide a new entry route for people interested in working in mental health and, over time, help us to build a much-needed stronger, more diverse mental health workforce.''

For information about Shout and volunteering opportunities please visit giveusashout.org

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