Today is Samaritans Awareness Day!

Today (24 July) is Samaritans Awareness Day - because the Samaritans are here to listen 24/7 for anyone who is going through a difficult time or is struggling to cope.

Today and throughout July, the Samaritans will be raising awareness to remind people that they are there for anyone who needs someone to listen.

Samaritans are here 24/7 for anyone who is struggling to cope. Talk to us, we’ll listen

You can call the Samaritans for free no matter what time it is, what you are going through, or where you are in the UK or Ireland.

Every ten seconds a Samaritans volunteer answers a call for help. There is no 'typical' person who calls Samaritans' helpline, and there is no 'typical' problem - no issue is too big or too small.

Their extraordinary volunteers offer a safe and non-judgemental space for those who need to talk through whatever it is they are facing.

Remember, when life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen day or night. You can:

• call them for free on 116 123;
• email them at jo@samaritans.org;
• write to them at Freepost, SAMARITAN LETTERS; or
• visit www.samaritans.org to find out how they can help or to find your nearest branch.

When you get in contact with Samaritans:

• a volunteer will answer: these are trained volunteers, ready to listen;
• no judgement: you can talk to Samaritans about anything, whoever you are, whatever life has thrown at you;
• no pressure: Samaritans will just ask what is going on for you and help you talk it through it;
• let it all out: if you get upset and find it hard to talk that is ok, Samaritans will stay until you are ready;
• it is your call: Samaritans will not make decisions for you, they will give you space to find your own way through it.

Little tips for helping someone open up when something is up

If you want to help someone, Samaritans offers tips to help identify when someone may be struggling and how to talk to someone to help them open up.

If someone is going through a difficult time, just being there to listen can help.

You do not have to be an expert, what matters is that you care. Reaching out to someone can let them know they are valued, and can help them get the support they need.

Signs someone might be struggling include:

• not wanting to do things they usually enjoy;
• finding everyday things overwhelming;
• not replying to messages, or being distant;
• avoiding people or seeming quiet;
• appearing restless or agitated;
• easily tearful;
• drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings.

Tips to open up a conversation include:

• choosing a good time for both of you and somewhere without distractions;
• using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as "How are things? I have noticed you do not seem quite yourself";
• listen well and respond with things like "How is that making you feel?";
• avoid giving your view of what is wrong, or what they should do.

Tips on how to be a good listener include:

• focus on the other person, make eye contact and put away your phone;
• accept that pauses are fine, try not to jump in to fill a silence;
• repeat back what they say to check you have understood;
• resist putting your interpretation on it;
• do not give up as sometimes it can take a few tries to help someone open up.

Ways to encourage someone to get more help include:

• "Would you like to get some help?";
• "Have you talked to your GP?";
• "Would you like me to come with you?";
• "You can call Samaritans for free, day or night, on 116 123";
• "If it helps, you can talk to me any time".

If you think it is an emergency or someone has tried to harm themselves - call 999.