Shout is a mental health charity texting service, that has become increasingly critical since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
Before the pandemic, Shout had around 700 texts per day, now they are averaging around 1,800 texts per day. The demand for the service is high, and the charity says that they need volunteers to take those conversations.
So far in January 2022, Shout has taken around 420 conversations with children, young people and adults from Dorset seeking immediate support with their mental health.
Looking back at last year, Shout took around 7,400 conversations from Dorset in 2021. In total around 1.5% of all texts to Shout are from the Dorset area.
Anyone over-18 can apply to be a volunteer for Shout.
Mental Health Crisis
James Creer, a Shout Coach, recognised the problematic issues around the mental health crisis, including funding. He explained there is a lack of funding in the sector and said that “demand outstrips supply.”
He added that, “They need staff that are trained to the appropriate levels but then to get people trained they need courses that are attractive and inclusive, so then you need financial support as well as cultural support.”
Mental Health Since COVID-19
According to the Office of National Statistics, during the first and second lockdown, personal wellbeing levels were among the lowest ever.
One in 10 adults experienced some form of depression before the pandemic, compared to one in six adults now.
Percentage of adults with moderate to severe depressive symptoms between July 2019 and August 2021
Shout text service is 24/7. If you need mental health support then please text 85258. If you would like to volunteer click here.
