Each year in July Samaritans branches host local initiatives to raise awareness and discuss their services with their local communities. The #TalkToUs campaign kicked off on the 1 July, explaining the significance of the month long campaign, Samaritans shared: “ Today marks the start of #TalkToUs where we highlight and celebrate our 20,000 incredible volunteers who are still here for you 24/7, no matter what.”
Samaritans aim to help change people’s lives for the better. In the next hour, Samaritans will receive 600 calls for help. Did you know that whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you? You can talk to them any time, any day.
Samaritans is a registered charity that provides free emotional support to anyone that is in distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the UK and Ireland. Their service is completely free, confidential, and you can talk to them about anything. No matter how big or small, they are there to listen and support you. Your contact details will remain anonymous. You don’t have to be over 18 to talk to them.
Along with tips on how to cope and feel better, their website also has advice on what to do if you are worried about someone else and what to do in an emergency. Visit https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-worried-about-someone-else/
Each day around 16 people take their life in the UK and Ireland. 1 person in 5 who calls Samaritans say that they feel suicidal.
In this video Jon and Georga talk about their experience with suicidal thoughts and how talking to Samaritans helped them:
For several years Samaritans have been promoting their ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign in collaboration with rail services to raise awareness of the power we all have to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and save a life. The video below is from this campaign to encourage people to have the confidence to start a conversation if they think someone might be struggling:
You can talk to a Samaritan over the phone, by email or a letter. You can also talk to someone in a branch (please note branches may be currently closed due to coronavirus). Samaritans now also have a self-help app that is designed to help you keep track of your feelings and give you advise on how to cope, feel better and how to stay safe during a crisis.
Call 116 123 from any phone, anytime. It is free from mobiles and landlines, so you don’t need any credit to call. The number won’t even come up on your phone bill.
Email [email protected] , they aim to respond within 24 hours.
Visit to talk in person at your local branch, you can find them here.
Write a letter to the below address; they aim to respond within 7 days.
Chris
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 9090
STIRLING FK8 2SA
Next Generation Text: If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use Next Generation Text to get in touch. Next Generation Text is not specific to Samaritans. It can be used on any telephone number. You can contact Samaritans in this way using 0330 094 5717.
Samaritans receive 5 million calls per year, they need £5 to answer a call from someone struggling to cope.
Donate: You can donate to Samaritans by clicking here.
Fundraise: Host a fundraiser to raise money, from bake sales to marathons. Click here to start your fundraising adventure.
Brew Monday: Host a virtual get together with your friends, family and colleagues to raise money. Get them to text BREW5 to 70507 and donate what they would have spent on a brew and cake. This is the perfect way to raise money during the pandemic. Get your digital pack here.
Volunteer: 20,000 volunteers help to deliver this lifesaving service. If you want to get involved and volunteer with Samaritans to be there for people who need someone, visit https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/
Raise awareness: Even talking to someone about the Samaritans and their services can help raise awareness.
Samaritans are the only organisation in the UK and Ireland that collates suicide statistics. They publish them annual in their “Suicide Statistics Report” that you can download on their suicide facts and figures page. You can visit this page by clicking here.
