Samaritans

It's Samaritans Awareness Day 🙌 Remember: Whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can talk to us. 🔁 Share this post and help us let more people know we’re here 24/7 on 116 123.

Today is #SamaritansAwarenessDay, and we're on a mission to share our number far and wide! 🔁 Share this post to help us reach someone who might need us.

Tomorrow is Samaritans Awareness Day! Here’s our incredible listening volunteer Heldiney to talk you through what happens when you call us. 📱💚

It can be really tricky to know what to say or do when someone you love is struggling to cope. Everyone copes and reacts in their own way, but here are some general signs to look out for. 👇 If you’re worried about someone, reaching out could help them know that someone cares, that they are valued, and help them access the support they need. It’s OK if you’re not quite sure how to start the conversation – these 5 tips may help. 1️⃣ Mention the signs. If you think someone might be struggling, trust your gut and ask them how they’re doing. Signs can look different in everyone, and it’s OK to gently mention anything you’ve noticed. 2️⃣ Reassure them it’s OK to open up. Let them know they’re not a burden, you’re there for them and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. 3️⃣ You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to solve anything for them. Ask open-ended questions, give them time to talk and really listen. 4️⃣ Don’t give up. They might not be ready to open up yet and that’s OK. You can’t force them, but you can let them know you’re there whenever they’re ready. 5️⃣ Remind them they’re not alone. Make sure that they know support is always available. Starting a conversation could help save a life. Find more support on what to do if someone you know isn’t OK: https://bit.ly/3fdmc4B

Reminder: Looking after your wellbeing is not selfish. 💚 What does self-care look like for you? Let us know in the comments. 👇

Save the date! 📅 Next Wednesday is Samaritans Awareness Day 🙌 We'll be letting everyone know that we're here 24/7 to listen on 116 123 💚

Need to talk but finding it hard to untangle your thoughts? No worries, we'll navigate through that together. We're here to support you every step of the way 💚 Call free day or night on 116 123 📱

Our wonderful Festival Samaritans will be at Flackstock next week, for anyone who needs to talk on the day 💚 Meet Sally, one of our amazing volunteers who has been with our festival branch since 2019, after previously volunteering at our Chester branch until 2011 👇 "I started volunteering because of my psychology and counselling course at university. As I explored options, Samaritans stuck with me. I was intrigued by the festival branch but couldn’t join until I started working full-time. I’ve loved it ever since. My favourite festival? I’m still discovering! I try to attend new ones, especially those I wouldn’t usually go to. I was surprised at the End of the Road festival, and I had fun at Download, which I didn’t expect. With festival Samaritans, we’re face-to-face. We pitch a tent on the grounds and are present to support and listen to people in emotional distress. Sometimes, people just pass by and ask what we do, and we explain and raise awareness of our services. Being there in person is different; some prefer this over phone conversations. If someone is struggling at a festival, I’d tell them to find us if we’re there. If not, most festivals have wellbeing spaces for support. You don’t have to suffer alone; we’re here to help share the load and support you through tough times. Volunteering with the festival branch is wonderful. I’m not a fan of camping, but the support we give each other behind the scenes is incredible. After a difficult conversation, it’s comforting to spend time with fellow volunteers instead of being alone.” We’re incredibly grateful for all our festival branch volunteers. If you’re at a festival this summer, stop by and say hello 👋

Remember: We know how much courage it takes to reach out, and we'll always be glad you managed that step.

Just in case you needed a reminder this weekend that you're not alone. 💚