Are you feeling anxious, worried or overwhelmed? Do you need to get something off your chest? In partnership with Shout, we offer a free, confidential service where you can talk anonymously about anything that is on your mind. 

Text the word GINGER to 85258 and start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer, who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better.

It could be something that has happened that day or it might have been on your mind for a while – whatever it is, text GINGER to 85258 to talk it through with a trained volunteer. The service is available 24 hours a day and you can text from wherever you are. The service is free and confidential, and won’t show up on your phone bill.

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

Step 1. TEXT

If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, text the word ‘GINGER’ to 85258.

Step 2. CONNECT

You’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of the Shout volunteers. This will usually be within 5 minutes (if the service is busy, it can take longer).

Step 3. CHAT

The volunteer will introduce themselves and ask you to share a bit more about what’s bothering you. You can then text back and forth, and you only need to share what you feel comfortable with.

Step 4. PLAN

The goal of the conversation is to help you reach a calm and safe place, with a plan of how to support yourself going forwards. As well as listening without judgement, Shout volunteers may provide you with further resources or tools to help you get more expert support.

Step 5. CALM

As the conversation comes to an end, you will be encouraged to reflect on the thoughts, feelings and experiences you’ve explored, how you want things to be and how you may be able to get there. Conversations tend to last around 45-60 minutes.