PROUD to be the first Shout volunteer ever to take 10,000 conversations, Diane Shepherd first heard about Shout in 2019. 

She said that she and husband Graham moved to Colebrooke 25 years ago.  “We arrived with four children and two jobs. Now we are both retired and the children have left and have families of their own.  

"Three years ago we heard Princes William and Harry launch Shout on the radio.  It is the UK’s first and only free text messaging mental health support service. It is a charity and is available 24/7. It is confidential and anonymous.  

“We have both been in the caring professions all our lives and so thought we would be able offer support in our retirement.  

“We both have lots of self care in place - yoga, tai chi, exercise, walking, cycling, mediation, ... it is important to have that. Support from Shout is excellent,” Diane said. 

She added: “The service is for anyone who finds they are struggling and would like to talk to someone anonymously about what is on their mind.  

“Graham and I applied to join in 2019 and found the 25 hours of online training that we did at home to be excellent.  You are allocated a coach who is always available to support you,” said Diane. 

They volunteer at home at a time that suits them.  There are no fixed times or hours. Shout is grateful for all the support that is offered.  

Whilst working online, talking to texters, they are supervised at all times by a professional mental health worker who is available for support and guidance whenever they are not sure what to do or say next.

Diane said that since 2019 Shout has taken 1.5 million conversations. It operated throughout the pandemic and offered much needed support when many people felt so isolated.

Anyone can apply to be a volunteer. Ongoing training and support is offered and many find it a stepping stone to working in the caring professions.

The most common issues are suicide, depression, anxiety, relationships, loneliness and self harm.  Volunteers are there to listen without judgement and to support those struggling with these issues. Texters are all ages, including children. It is a service for everyone.

“I was proud to be awarded Rainbow status as a volunteer in December 2022.  I became the first volunteer in the UK to have taken 10,000 conversations.  

“If you would be interested in volunteering please contact me to chat about it ([email protected]) or contact Shout directly: https://giveusashout.org/

“If you or anyone you know might benefit from contacting Shout please text 85258.  No-one needs to struggle alone. Shout is always there for you,” Diane added.