As research shows that the number of adults experiencing loneliness increased by 44% during the last year* Kent housebuilder Barratt Homes, who is currently building new homes at its Aylesham Village development in Aylesham and Richmond Park development in Dover, is helping vulnerable individuals to access the support that they need with a donation to text support service Shout 85258.

Barratt Kent has donated £1000 to the service, which is powered by charity Mental Health Innovations and provides essential support to individuals in crisis. Shout 85258 is a free, confidential 24/7 text service, in which a trained volunteer can provide round the clock support to anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. The charity works with people in immediate distress to calm and de-escalate a situation by providing in the moment support, alongside a plan to help individuals move forward. The charity also signposts towards further support services and resources. Individuals can contact a volunteer by texting ‘Shout’ to 85258.

The donation was made from Barratt Kent’s Community Fund initiative, which sees the housebuilder donate £1000 each month to help a registered charity supporting the local community. The donation to Shout will help to ensure that the charity can continue to support individuals in crisis.

Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt Kent, commented: “We are proud to support Shout, a charity that is close to our hearts here at Barratt. All of us have experienced a time in our lives where we need to turn to someone for support, and Shout is an excellent first port of call, providing an experienced shoulder to lean on for many people in moments of distress.”

Felicity Brown, Development Manager at Shout, added: “The team at Shout is so grateful to Barratt Kent for its generous donation. Their support will go towards helping our 2,800-strong team of volunteers reach many more people across Kent, and help individuals in crisis to access vital support for their mental health 24/7.”