The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the ‘Give Us A Shout’ volunteer event yesterday at Troubadour White City Theatre where they celebrated the work of Shout volunteers. Shout is a free text-based direct-messaging helpline that will match up people needing support with trained volunteers, and all it takes is a text message. This is the first service of its kind in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex teamed up in May to launch the new mental health-based initiative that will provide round-the-clock support to people in need.
The Duke said about the Shout text messaging crisis centre, “Catherine and I, and I know I speak for Harry and Megan as well, couldn’t be more proud of what Shout has accomplished.”
He also said, “Catherine and I heard outside about how many of you are waking up at 3 am to answer the peak demand. The fact we’ve had to launch Shout shows just how in need the mental health sector is at the minute. We still have an enormous challenge ahead of us.”
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsWhatever your crisis is, wherever you are in the UK, our #CrisisVolunteers are here for you around the clock. Whether you're feeling alone, worried, overwhelmed or struggling they will be there for you 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support #Shout85258 pic.twitter.com/zpgESq7jgE
— Shout UK (@GiveUsAShout) November 12, 2019
Their Royal Highnesses also spoke to and comforted a father, Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter, Molly, killed herself in 2017 after viewing suicide posts on Instagram.
William asked Mr Russell, “Do you think companies like Instagram are doing enough?” and added, “If we can help you in any way please let us know.”
He responded, “My thoughts on Instagram are, we’re grateful that they’re doing something but I think they’re only really inching along the road, and they need to do a lot more.” He has accused Instagram of “helping to kill” his daughter and says that removing harmful content is easier than the social media giant would like to portray.
Prince William also wrote to Ian Russell and his family earlier this year to express his condolences and offer his support.
WONDERFUL!!!!!