Jonny Benjamin’s poem ‘To Everyone at Shout’

For the second year running, the incredible crisis text line service Shout brought together their volunteers for a day of celebration and inspiration.

At this year's event on the 12th November, 2019, Heads Together supporter and mental heath campaigner Jonny Benjamin wrote and performed a special poem for the Shout community.

 

To Everyone at Shout, by Jonny Benjamin

I can’t tell you how grateful I am

To everyone at Shout.

For when I’m feeling stuck

You take away the doubt.

The doubt I can get through

And make my way out from this blue

So for that I say..thank-you.

 

I can’t tell you how grateful I am

To everyone at Shout.

For the way that you just listen,

Put yourselves in my position,

For the way you never judge.

But show me empathy and love.

 

I can’t tell you how grateful I am

To everyone at Shout.

For the precious time you give away,

To help a person through a day

When hope has disappeared

You return it right back here.

 

So don’t underestimate

What you give

When I don’t want to live.

 

Please know the difference

You make.

When I feel I’m going to break.

 

And give yourself

The love,

You give so much to us.

 

The ones you’re always there for.

The ones you so generously care for.

– Jonny Benjamin

 

If you need immediate support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 and chat by text. The service is free on most networks and available 24/7, and trained volunteers will listen to you, and work with to help you take the next steps towards feeling better.

Find out more about Shout