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We’re pleased to announce the partnership between Shout, our 24/7 crisis text support service and Reducing the Risk, an Oxfordshire-based charity launched in 2007 to strengthen the community’s capacity to support adults and children who are at risk in their own homes.

Anyone in the Thames Valley who is impacted by domestic violence and abuse can text ‘HOPE’ to 85258 for free, confidential mental health support by text.

Through this partnership, additional training has been commissioned for Shout Volunteers, clinicians and safeguarding teams to deepen their understanding of the complexities, communication styles and challenges faced by people affected by domestic violence and abuse. This will enable a collaborative and multi-directional approach, offering an enhanced mental health support network to victims and survivors across the region.

Shout Volunteers and clinicians will support ‘HOPE’ texters in a bespoke way, ensuring they feel safe and supported whilst ensuring they have a plan to manage their mental health moving forward.

"Domestic abuse harms the mental health of everyone it touches. Those affected deserve swift, expert help. Through Shout’s confidential text service, Project Hope delivers specialist support from DA-competent clinicians who understand the context, the risks, and the right next steps."

Dawn Hodson

CEO of Reducing the Risk

Caroline Westley, Director of Income at Mental Health Innovations, said:

“We’re so pleased to be working with Reduce the Risk on this initiative. By working together on Project Hope, we hope to provide an accessible and confidential means of mental health support to anyone impacted by domestic violence and abuse in the Thames Valley.”

We're grateful to the Serco Foundation for funding this pilot project, which will enable us to demonstrate its impact in the Thames Valley, and explore opportunities to expand the initiative across the UK in the future.

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