Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked the first anniversary of Shout85258, the UK’s first 24/7 crisis text line and one of the key mental health services with a video call to its 5 volunteers. Today, Kensington Palace released the footage of the video call.
ShoutUK was launched by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sussex in May 2019. It allows people to open up a text chat with a volunteer working remotely, most likely at home, who has been trained to listen, reassure and guide people. At the time of launch, Prince William said, “As texting is private and silent, it opens up a whole new way to find help. You can have a conversation anywhere, at any time: at school, at home, anywhere.” About the service, the Duchess of Cambridge said: “It’s able to offer support when it is crucially needed and the opportunity to turn lives around. This really is an important step for those desperately in need.”
The Royal couple who is currently at Anmer Hall in Norfolk spoke with volunteers Jo Irwin, Alexis Caught, Jo Booth, Michelle Fernandes and Kiel McPhillips and the CEO Victoria Hornby about how Shout is playing a vital role as the country continues to deal with the impact of coronavirus. over the past 12 months, the service has facilitated 300,000 text conversations. From Hello!’s report,
The volunteers also told the Duke and Duchess about the impact the lockdown has had on young people’s mental wellbeing, including how many are finding it harder to access their usual ways of maintaining good mental health, but the difference a supportive text conversation can make.
Appreciating the volunteers, Prince William said, “You guys are the trailblazers, you have been doing a fantastic job keeping Shout moving forward, so well done and thank you for all your hard work. We really appreciate it”. Continuing from Hello!,
Crisis volunteer Alexis said: “The unique support that Shout is able to provide to people in crisis is crucial at all times, but now more than ever it can serve as a lifeline to those most in need – whatever they’re going through, big or small. Without the hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to provide help and reassurance to others, the service simply wouldn’t be able to function. That is why it was so great to hear the Duke and Duchess speak so positively not only about Shout’s work but also encouraging people to get support with their mental health. We want to send a very clear message to anyone who is looking for someone to reach out to – we are here to listen to you anytime, anywhere about any problem.”
The Duke and Duchess joined the Give Us Shout‘s Crisis Volunteer celebration event at the Troubadour Theatre in London in November 2019.
Tomorrow, to further promote the initiative, a Shout volunteer will take over KensingtonRoyal’s Instagram stories, sharing a Q&A about the organization and other video clips. It will be the first time when another group will use Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s social media.
For the video call, the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing Sandro Cecil Scalloped Cardigan. Thanks to HeavenQRF on Twitter for the quick id.
The $220 cardigan features a scalloped neckline with an allover ribbed knit and a front logo-button closure. It is also available in black colour.
Catherine paired the cardigan with her Catherine Zoraida Gold Fern Hoop Earrings.
With thanks to Kate’s Royal Closet, We know that The Duchess of Cambridge’s Raey Acid Tree Print Silk Dress that she wore at the Launch of Hold Still Project is now restocked and is available on 70% off Matches Fashion.
