We’re proud to partner with the Aviva Foundation to enhance awareness of Shout, a critical mental health support service for anyone struggling to cope, including young individuals affected by the cost-of-living crisis, and who are in distress due to their financial situation.

The Aviva Foundation was originally set up to increase financial capability and inclusion, strengthen community resilience, and drive climate action. However, its focus has evolved, reflecting the growing need to build more secure financial futures for people and communities. Since 2023, the Foundation’s funding priorities have focused on helping people become more financially secure.

Shout, the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service, provides essential support for those struggling to cope with mental health challenges.

Through the new joint initiative with the Aviva Foundation, we aim to promote Shout’s services, encouraging individuals in distress to text the campaign keyword “REFRESH” to 85258 for mental health support. Additionally, the initiative will direct individuals to us for comprehensive debt advice and assistance.

Emma Gibbons, our Vulnerability Lead said: “We are excited to work with the Aviva Foundation to promote Shout. Since Shout’s launch in 2019, they have taken 2.5 million text conversations with 830,000 individuals in distress.

“By collaborating, we will be combining our expertise in debt advice with their platform reach to help more individuals in need.

“We look forward to seeing the positive effects this joint initiative will bring, offering 24/7 mental health support via SMS to those in need.”

Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations said: “We are incredibly grateful to Aviva Foundation for their support, which means that we will be able to strengthen our response to supporting people experiencing mental health challenges due to financial issues.

“Every day, around 50 people reach out to our free, confidential text message service Shout for support due to money worries, and we’re delighted to be working with PayPlan to be able to signpost people to their financial advice and assistance services.”

If you’re worried about anything, including finances or debt, please text “REFRESH” to 85258 to receive free, confidential support at any time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial difficulties, you can contact us on 0800 316 1833. We’re open from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. You can also visit our website to chat with us digitally or for further information.