KATE Middleton today thanked mental health workers for helping struggling adults across the UK.
The Duchess of Cambridge today visited the crisis support line Shout to mark the service reaching more than one million conversations with people in need.
Kate, 40, met clinical supervisors, volunteers and fundraisers to thank them for their invaluable efforts to ensure that vital mental health support is available at any time of day or night.
She also heard how the service is inviting members of the public to become Shout volunteers to meet growing demand for support.
Shout is the UK’s only 24/7 text messaging support service, offering free and confidential help for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Since its launch in May 2019, it has taken over 1,000,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.
The service, which was researched, developed and launched with a founding grant from the Royal Foundation as a legacy of the Heads Together campaign, provides round-the-clock support from clinical supervisors and more than 2,500 trained volunteers.
Upon arrival, Kate learned how data from the conversations taking place on the Shout service can be used to provide insights on mental health in the UK.
Suicide (34 per cent), depression (32 per cent), and anxiety or stress (31 per cent) were cited as the main reasons why texters have sought support.
Kate also watched a live demonstration of the platform before joining a small group of Shout volunteers to hear about their experiences of helping those in distress.
They told her how they have personally benefitted from taking part in the service by gaining new skills and developing a sense of purpose.
Shout has seen usage on its platform increase by 140 per cent since the start of the pandemic.
The duchess heard how the service will need even more volunteers to join its ranks to ensure that it can meet growing demand.
Kate also met those carrying out fundraising efforts to help Shout to continue to deliver its crucial services.
Thirteen-year-old Leo Street raised over £8,000 by sleeping outside for the entirety of 2021, and Cassie Waters began raising money after using the service herself when she suffered mental health challenges.
