Crisis support
PlayStation is partnering with Shout in the UK to provide free, confidential, 24/7 text-based mental health support for our players, their friends or anyone close to them. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know you are not alone. A Shout Volunteer is available to you and anyone in the United Kingdom. This service is available in English.
If you have hurt yourself or are in imminent danger of hurting yourself, please contact your local emergency services for immediate assistance.
What is Shout?
Shout provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention to anyone of any age through a community of trained volunteers. Shout Volunteers work with people in distress to take them to a calmer moment. They provide support and techniques to help texters feel better in the moment and equipped to handle future thoughts and feelings.
How do I contact Shout?
Text the word ‘CIRCLE’ to the number 85258 to be connected with a trained Shout Volunteer who will introduce themselves and then communicate back and forth with you using Shout’s secure texting platform. Shout Volunteers use empathetic and effective active listening techniques to help you establish goals and to take your next steps from feeling distressed towards feeling better. A conversation usually lasts around 45 minutes and will be discreet and anonymous.
You can also pass on access information and the keyword CIRCLE to other players, friends or anyone close to you who you think might be struggling and who might benefit from this free and confidential service.
Is my conversation and information kept private?
Yes. Your conversation with Shout is confidential unless sharing it with emergency services is absolutely necessary for your safety or the safety of others. You can also choose to have your messages deleted by sending the word ‘LOOFAH’ at the end of your conversation.
Shout will not share your personal information or any content of your conversation with Sony Interactive Entertainment.
What other resources are available?
If you are based outside of the UK or wish to access other services, visit Find A Helpline to access a global list of helplines which can provide free, confidential support via phone, text, or web chat. Many of these helplines are available 24/7.