The fact that Shout is a free and text-based, discreet support service makes it attractive to people who want to discuss sensitive issues around the cost of living and money problems and who have not sought help elsewhere. Half (50%) of those who contacted us about financial difficulties say that they wanted to talk to someone they didn’t know and 48% say they’re more comfortable texting than speaking about how they feel.
Of texters with money concerns, 55% say they don’t have anyone else to talk to and 34% are too embarrassed to talk about their issues on the phone. They are actively seeking out a text-based form of support, rather than support that requires them to vocalise their issues out loud. More than a third (34%) do not have friends and family they can talk to, or other mental health support services they feel they can access, so they turn to Shout.
