SHOUT Text Messaging Support

How does the service work?

This is a common question those new to the service may ask. Here’s how we explain it: Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.

Shout’s trained volunteers 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.

We have partnered with Shout to offer support to young people who live in Fife. To start a conversation, text “FIFE” to 85258.

If your life is at imminent risk, call the emergency services on 999.

What happens when you text “FIFE” to 85258?

To start a conversation, text the word “FIFE” to 85258.

If you’re feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal or not quite yourself, Shout’s volunteers are here for you 24/7.

After sending the first message, you’ll receive four automated text messages before being connected to a trained volunteer. Shout will aim to connect you within five minutes, but at busy times it can take longer.

By text message, the volunteer will introduce themselves and ask you to share a bit more about how you’re feeling. You only need to share what you feel comfortable sharing - the volunteer will listen without judgement.

The goal of the conversation is to help you reach a place of calm, with a plan of how to support yourself going forwards. As well as listening, Shout Volunteers may provide further resources or tools to help you get more expert support.

Your conversation will only end when the volunteer is sure you are calm and feeling better. Conversations tend to last up to one hour.

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.

To find out more about the SHOUT text messaging service, visit their website https://giveusashout.org/

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 “FIFE” to 85258.

Resources and support

If you recognise you need further support, help is available:

The Keeping Connected leaflet provides a directory of services available throughout Fife who offer help and support on a range of issues. We also have a Keeping Connected: Bereavement and Loss leaflet which contains useful websites and services which can support through bereavement.
Sam’s Cafe - support people aged 16+ no longer in school education with mental wellbeing, crisis, emotions, life events and suicidal thoughts. Open 7 days a week across Fife, 12noon-8pm: Kirkcaldy Monday & Friday; Dunfermline Thursday & Sunday; Leven Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. No referral or appointment needed.
DBI is for anyone living in Scotland aged 16+ who is in distress. By contacting NHS 24 on 111, individuals will be triaged via the mental health hub and offered support in the immediate 24 hours following the phone call and further support for the following 14 days.
Breathing Space: is a website and phone service for anyone experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Telephone: 0800 83 85 87.
Samaritans: operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Telephone: 116 123 to speak to someone. A self-help app is also available to download from their website.
SHOUT text messaging service is a free 24/7 support service for anyone struggling to cope.

Links to further support

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, crisis or thoughts of suicide:

NHS Inform Suicide Information offering support to someone you’re worried is suicidal
Samaritans website offers help and advice if you are concerned for someone
Surviving suicidal thoughts website provides support for people who are living with suicidal thoughts, their families, friends, and communities.
CALM provides support for anyone who needs it. Telephone 0800 58 58 58

If you are concerned for an individual’s immediate safety, do not leave the individual alone and call 999 immediately.

If you or someone you know needs help with their emotional and mental health:

Access Therapies Fife provides information to help you to deal with mental health problems and to access a range of local services
Moodcafe Fife information and resources to help you understand and improve your mental health ·
Struggling with stress? | NHS inform provides information and practical advice on how to recognise symptoms related to stress and steps you can take to manage stress more effectively
Mind to Mind | NHS inform features real people talking about their own experiences and offers advice to support them with their challenges. Topics include dealing with anxiety and panic, handling stress, sleeping better, lifting mood, and moving through grief
Together, let’s care for your mental health NHS Inform resources to help with mental health, whether your looking for advice, information, local support or ideas for improving your wellbeing
Clear Your Head provides hints and tips to help you cope better with changes in your world

For young people, specific help and support is available:

CAMHS Hands On provides help and practical advice for parents, carers and people working with children and young people to support them with their mental health and emotional wellbeing
Mental Health And Wellbeing Info for Young People in Fife helpful ideas, websites and information to support young peoples emotional wellbeing
Papyrus: is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Telephone Hopeline: 0800 068 41 41

SHOUT Text Messaging Support

How does the service work?

What happens when you text “FIFE” to 85258?

Resources and support

Links to further support

NHS Fife

Contact

Social

Terms