Anglian Water launches partnership with Shout on World Mental Health Day

Anglian Water has become the first water company to partner with Shout 

Shou​t, which is powered by charity Mental Health Innovations,​ ​is​ the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. After launching ​in ​2019, Shout ​has taken​ more than ​two ​million conversations with people who are anxious, ​lonely, ​stressed, depressed​ or​ suicidal and who need ​urgent, ​in-the-moment support. 

​​​The aim of the partnership is to raise awareness ​​​o​​f the Shout service ​​​to Anglian Water customers who are struggling with their mental health​​​, and to help ​​them to access the support that is available. ​​​​     ​​​     ​​ 

Beth Kennedy, Customer Services Partnerships Manager for Anglian Water said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Shout. We know bills at home can be a worry that can weigh on your mind - that’s why we’re working with Shout to help our customers get mental health support if they need it. So if you’re feeling low, stressed or you’re struggling to cope, you can text WATER to 85258 for free and confidential help 24/7 from the Shout team.”  

Henry Mace, Head of Commissioned Partnership​ from Shout​ sa​id:​​ ​"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Anglian Water to provide 24/7 mental health support to its customers, the first water company in the UK to commission the keyword service. 'Financial difficulties' now features in more than 60 conversations every day with Shout texters. This partnership will ensure thousands of people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed have immediate support."  
 
Last year, Anglian Water announced its largest-ever package of support for customers struggling with the cost of living with £135m worth of help available to an estimated 330,000 customers throughout 2023 – the company’s largest ever support package and builds on a £65 million package announced for 2022.   
 
The water company has lots of ways to help customers if they’re finding it difficult to pay their water bill including discounted tariffs and assistance schemes, to help people get back on track if they’ve fallen behind. It also conducts in-house income maximisation, meaning it is able to signpost to external financial assistance, including notifying customers of unclaimed benefits and warm homes discount eligibility.  
 
In addition to financial support, Anglian Water provide​s​ free practical support in the form of their Priority Service Register. They provide many service offerings including proactive contact in the event of an incident and a knock and wait service, which means they’ll wait a little longer to give customers extra time to answer the door.  
 
If you would like to find out more about the partnership or the support Anglian Water can provide, you can call their dedicated Priority Services team on 0800 232 1951 or visit www.anglianwater.co.uk/priority