Prince William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan have joined forces to launch a new round-the-clock text message helpline to support people in crisis. The free U.K.-wide helpline, called Shout, is based on service Crisis Text Line which has been operating in the U.S. since 2013. Shout has been running quietly for a year now with the young royals’ support, including a secret visit from Harry and Meghan to a west London volunteer event in November.

William and Kate attended the official Shout launch at Kensington Palace on Thursday, May 9 while new dad Harry was in the Netherlands and new mum Meghan at home with baby Archie. The young royals’ Foundation has given £3 million to help get the vital service off the ground, their biggest investment in a project to date.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex make a secret visit to a west London volunteer event for Shout. Courtesy of Shout

Addressing a room of invited media and supporters, William said that since he, Kate, and Harry launched mental health campaign Heads Together in 2016 it has gained more traction “than we actually believed it would.”

Pointing out their aim was to produce something tangible to effect lasting change, he continued, “Over the last year, together with now Meghan as well, we’ve been working behind the scenes with the incredible team at Mental Health Innovations on a special new project to deliver those legacies.”

Shout operates 24/7 and connects people in need to trained volunteers who aim to help them move into a calm state of mind and form a plan for next steps. The Duke of Cambridge has used a video message (above) to call on people consider volunteering. So far they have 1,000 volunteers but are hoping to get to 4,000 by the end of the year.

Here, Prince William speaks with Shout volunteers. So far, 1,000 people have signed up to work with the initiative, but they are hoping to get to 4,000 volunteers by the end of the year. Courtesy of Shout

The vast majority of the 60,000 text conversations that have been had so far have been with people under 25 seeking help, with most texting late at night and typically using the service for about an hour. Issues emerging include suicide, depression, anxiety or stress, relationship problems, and loneliness.

Addressing the launch event, Kate said, “We feel that Shout is so important. It’s able to offer support when it’s crucially needed, and the opportunity to turn lives around. It also provides that wonderful opportunity for flexible volunteering, something I feel really passionate about too.”

Courtesy of Shout

Volunteers complete 25 hours of online training and need to commit two to four hours per week. They are supported by clinical supervisors along with an algorithm to help detect if a person is at a greater degree of risk. Volunteer Jo Irwin described the experience as “life-changing,” saying,“I’ve had support that I’ve never imagined and I get to help people up and down the U.K. that really need an ear.”

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they were “incredibly excited” to be launching the service, adding: “Over the last few months Shout has started working quietly behind the scenes. We have all been able to see the service working up close and are so excited for its future.”

The service is free and does not show up on any bills. Visit www.giveusashout.org for more information.

Victoria Murphy Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family for nine years.

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