Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They’re incredible people who have taken more than 2.8 million conversations with 900,000 texters who are anxious, lonely or suicidal and who need urgent support. We recruit volunteers throughout the year, and we’d love you to join our team.
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
- Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
- Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
- Be open-minded
- Be supportive
- Be reliable
- Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
- Be accepting and non-judgemental
- Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
- Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering and be over 18 years of age. You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift. All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
- Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
- Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Location of Volunteering
This is an online/remote volunteering opportunity. You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift. All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
Benefits to self
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Training available
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.