The Duchess Celebrates a Million Conversations with Shout

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in London today to visit Shout. The engagement followed a significant milestone for the text messaging support service: over a million conversations with those in need.

It's been an incredible journey to one million conversations. It all started in 2019 when Shout, the UK's first 24/7 crisis text line was launched by the Cambridges together with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It's one of several legacy projects resulting from the hugely successful Heads Together campaign. The team at the Royal Foundation contacted Crisis Text Line in the US to begin the process of bringing their successful model to the UK. It marked the Foundation's largest initiative to date, with £3 million invested. During the COVID-19 crisis, resources like Shout have been a lifeline for so many, and their model lends itself perfectly to supporting people in a time when so many charities and services have had to close their doors.

It was an opportunity for Kate to thank clinical supervisors, fundraisers and volunteers for dedicating their time to being 'that person' on the other end of a text making a real difference at any time -- day or night.

Kensington Palace said, "Shout has seen usage on its platform increase by 140% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Duchess will hear how the service will need even more volunteers to join its ranks to ensure that it can meet this growing demand."

Kate heard how insights from data are being used to provide a window into mental health in the UK today. The main reasons people have been reaching out seeking support are suicide (34%), depression (32%), and anxiety or stress (31%).

The Duchess spoke with Mark Ungless, Director of Data Insights, and Dr Jean O’Hara, Trustee, about the data.

The Duchess sat down with a group of volunteers to hear about their experiences to date. 

Volunteer Selena told the Duchess she joined "give back and help others who are in a similar place know that help is out there and there’s a light in the darkness."

Shout shared more on the conversation:

'The Duchess also spoke to Alexis (centre), who became a Shout Volunteer at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since taken more than 250 conversations with people struggling to cope. Alexis told The Duchess how his new book, Queer Up (Walker Books), was inspired by his night shifts for Shout where he spoke to young people facing many of the same questions and challenges he did growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Around 1 in 3 of our texters identify as LGB+.'

Among those Kate met were 13-year-old Leo Street, who slept outside all last year to raise £8,000 for Shout.

Hello! writes:

'Kate joked: "There really isn't a big enough Scout badge for that. What you achieved is really inspiring."

"You must have had some impressive kit to keep warm," she said.

Leo, from Swanley, slept under a heavy-duty tarpaulin to shield from the extremities of the weather.

He told the Duchess his next fundraising adventure will be to cycle to Scotland during half term.'

The young Scout from Bromley chose to support the charity because he felt his peers "would find it easier texting rather than talking to someone if they need help”, and it was a comfort knowing that Shout’s volunteers are “only a text away to help” if you’re struggling to cope. Leo added, "I hope that through my efforts I will bring happiness to those that are struggling with the difficult times." Click here if you would like to donate.

Kate chatted to Cassie Waters, who began fundraising for Shout after she reached out to the service for support.

More on Cassie's story:

'I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression for the last 10 years and, after finding treatment that worked for me, felt that I had reached a steady point in my journey. But in the summer of 2021, my mental health deteriorated and I went into a crisis. The floor fell from underneath me and I hit a new rock bottom.⁣⁣

When I was at my lowest point, I texted Shout 85258 quite a few times. Shout’s volunteers were incredible and I cannot overestimate how much I appreciate the help and support they gave me when the world felt impossible. ⁣⁣

I decided to walk 360,000 steps in September to raise money for Shout to help them continue doing their amazing and life saving work.'

Asked what advice she would offer someone considering fundraising, Cassie said, "My advice would be to set aside your judgments of yourself and what you can and cannot do. My mental and chronic illnesses meant that exercise and sports have always felt inaccessible to me and something that I couldn’t achieve. Before I began the challenge, 360,000 steps felt like an almost insurmountable task. I set aside the bigger picture and focussed on walking 12,000 steps a day. Slowly the numbers added up more and more and I hit the target two days early!"

Chief Executive Victoria Hornby said: "We would like to thank The Duchess of Cambridge for helping us to celebrate the commitment of our outstanding volunteers, fundraisers and clinicians who have made it possible for us to provide one million hours of mental health support to people in immediate distress. The support of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation has helped hundreds of thousands of people to get the help they need". Victoria added:"The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on the mental health of the nation and demand for support has surged. To ensure we can continue to be there for everyone who needs us, 24/7, we are asking members of the public to join our pioneering community of volunteers today. You could help save a life."

You can contact Shout 24/7. It's free from all major networks in the UK and completely confidential.

A video from the engagement with nice footage of Kate talking to inspiring Leo.

The Duchess sported the Derek Lam 10 Crosby army green leopard print chiffon midi dress (with thanks to Emily).

The piece is described as: "Derek Lam 10 Crosby's 'Sammy' dress is the sort of piece that will work equally well for business meetings or dinner dates. Made from lightweight chiffon subtly printed with leopard spots, it draws in slightly at the waist and has a tiered, floaty skirt." The dress was reduced from £510 to £255 at Net-A-Porter before selling out.

Kate accessorised with her Asos gold plated earrings. They are currently back in stock for £10.

Kate wore her Ralph Lauren boots.

Tomorrow is Holocaust Remembrance Day. I think it likely we'll see Kate mark the day with an engagement.