Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.Powered by a community of around 2,000 volunteers, Shout has taken more than 1.5 million conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed or suicidal and who need urgent, in-the-moment support.Shout Volunteers are at the heart of everything Shout does. Every day, they take…
Description
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
Powered by a community of around 2,000 volunteers, Shout has taken more than 1.5 million conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed or suicidal and who need urgent, in-the-moment support.
Shout Volunteers are at the heart of everything Shout does. Every day, they take life-saving text conversations with children, young people and adults in distress.
Duties
As a volunteer, you’ll take text conversations with children, young people and adults who are struggling to cope and have text 85258. You’ll make people feel calmer and less distressed and help them take steps towards feeling better.
Who will the volunteers be working with?
Volunteers will join our 2,100 strong volunteering community, which is warm and supportive. You will also work with a dedicated coach, there to support you through your journey as a Shout Volunteer.
While taking conversations, volunteers are overseen by a qualified clinical supervisor who supports them and has responsibility for managing risk.
While taking conversations, volunteers are overseen by a qualified clinical supervisor who supports them and has responsibility for managing risk.
Training
Shout provides 25 hours of free training, with volunteers gaining communication, active listening and problem solving skills that are valued by employers and further education institutions.
Trainees will learn Shout's ‘five stage model’ that aims to empower texters to help themselves, as well as procedures for risk assessment, safeguarding and how to convey empathy via text.
They will also gain knowledge of the types of issues they will encounter, which include suicide, anxiety, depression, self-harm, isolation and more.
Trainees will learn Shout's ‘five stage model’ that aims to empower texters to help themselves, as well as procedures for risk assessment, safeguarding and how to convey empathy via text.
They will also gain knowledge of the types of issues they will encounter, which include suicide, anxiety, depression, self-harm, isolation and more.
Time commitment
Shout Volunteers are asked to commit to 25 hours of online training and 200 total hours of volunteering, taken in one to two shifts a week. Shifts are two hours long and taken via our digital mental health platform.
As a 24/7 services, volunteers are required around the clock, so you can volunteer flexibly at times that suit you.
As a 24/7 services, volunteers are required around the clock, so you can volunteer flexibly at times that suit you.