We're proud to partner with Shout to offer free and confidential mental health support to anyone in distress. To use the service, simply text PURPLE to 85258. Shout’s trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
Shout is a free and private text support service, there to help anyone in the UK who is struggling with how they feel.
If you’re sad, worried or lonely, text the word ‘PURPLE’ to 85258 to start a conversation with Shout.
Professionals can download our shareable flyers
What happens when you text PURPLE to 85258?
- Once you send the text, you’ll get four automated messages. Then, you’ll be connected with a Shout Volunteer, as soon as one is free
- The volunteer will send you a message to introduce themselves and ask how you’re feeling. You will then message each other back and forth, silently and privately. You can tell them about anything that might be upsetting you and only need to share what you want to share
- The volunteer will listen to how you’re feeling, talk to you about it and help you make a plan for after the chat ends, which will be once you feel calmer and safer. Conversations with Shout usually last between 45 minutes and one hour
- Your conversation will be saved in your messages if you ever need to look back, and Shout is here 24/7 if you ever want to text again
If your life is at risk, call 999 immediately for the emergency services.
Thank you for taking the time to help me process my thoughts without judging me.Anonymous Texter
Shout’s trained volunteers
They are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is suicidal, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. The service is anonymous and does not show up on phone bills.
Young Epilepsy have partnered with Shout to offer support to young people with epilepsy who are struggling with their mental health.
To start a conversation, text PURPLE to 85258. If your life is at imminent risk, call the emergency services on 999
Shout can help with issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Depression
- Loneliness or isolation
- Money worries
- Relationship problems
- Self-harm
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings
What mobile networks can you text Shout from?
It is free to text Shout from all major UK networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These include BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.
Some Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy, may issue a warning that you will be charged for sending a message to Shout. Provided you are on one of the networks listed above, this warning is incorrect, and you will not be charged.
If you send a message from a network that is not listed here, there is a possibility that you may be charged and that this may appear on your bill. If your mobile network is not listed here, please check with your operator directly.
It is not possible to text the service from networks without the capability to send and receive short codes. These include Lyca mobile. If your message will not send, or if you do not receive an automated message in response, this indicates that Shout has not received your message. You can find alternate ways to get support at headstogether.org.uk/get-support/. If you are contacting Shout from a network listed above and the service does not appear to be working, you can contact info@giveusashout.org with your mobile phone number and network provider. We need this information to be able to investigate the problem.
Answers to other common FAQs can be found at: giveusashout.org/faq
Understanding Shout's Waiting Times
Shout is a free, 24/7 text messaging service providing mental health support across the UK. Operated by the charity Mental Health Innovations, Shout remains free thanks to their fundraising efforts. This service is available to children, young people, and adults at any time, day or night, every day of the week. On average, Shout handles around 2,000 conversations daily, assisting those in need of mental health support.
Why waiting times vary
Shout's waiting times can fluctuate due to several factors. The service is busiest during the evening and night, from 6pm to 6am, when other support services are typically closed. This increased demand can result in longer waits for a Shout Volunteer to respond.
Certain days, like Sunday evenings, also see higher demand. As a volunteer-led service, Shout's response times depend on the availability of volunteers who generously donate their time to help others.
Impact of unpredictable events
Unexpected events, such as media coverage or social media mentions, can also affect waiting times. Increased awareness often leads to more people reaching out to Shout, which can extend wait times.
While you wait
While waiting to connect with a Shout Volunteer, you will receive automated messages to keep you informed. Additionally, Shout provides links to online resources tailored to various feelings and situations, such as anxiety, self-harm, and bullying. These resources include coping strategies and self-care tips, like Shout’s Little Book of Coping Skills.
Our Commitment
Although you might experience a wait, Shout is dedicated to responding to every conversation as quickly as possible. A Shout Volunteer will be with you as soon as they can.
