Samaritans awareness day begins today!

Samaritans Awareness Day (24 July) shines a spotlight on suicide prevention and the power of listening.

Samaritans Awareness Day forms the centrepiece of the wider Talk to Us campaign, which is a month-long initiative run by Samaritans each July to raise awareness of the support the charity offers and to promote the importance of simply being there to listen.

This year’s campaign focuses on:

• the power of conversation;
• encouraging people to take time to talk;
• to check in on others; and
• to access help if they need it themselves.

Why 24/7 matters

Samaritans Awareness Day takes place on 24/7 to highlight the fact that Samaritans volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope.

With someone contacting Samaritans every 10 seconds, the charity’s work remains as vital as ever. Whether you’re experiencing loneliness, distress, or suicidal thoughts, trained volunteers are ready to listen, without judgement, and in confidence.

Supporting the campaign

Throughout July, branches across the UK and Ireland are holding awareness events and information stalls to promote the campaign and help communities learn how to better support themselves and those around them.

One example is the Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead branch, which has been taking part by holding local outreach events and distributing resources in community hubs to raise awareness of the services available.

To support the campaign, Samaritans has also made a range of downloadable materials available, including posters, postcards, digital banners, and social media graphics, to encourage workplaces, schools, and individuals to help share the message.

Key messages

Samaritans’ key aim during Talk to Us month and on Awareness Day is to encourage people to:

• reach out for support if they’re struggling to cope;
• be there for others by listening without judgement;
• foster open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention;
• promote the message that help is always available, day or night.

By sharing these messages, individuals and organisations can help tackle the stigma around mental health and create a culture where it’s OK to ask for help.

Get involved

There are simple ways you can take part in Samaritans Awareness Day:

• start a conversation with a friend, family member, or colleague;
• share Samaritans' messages on social media using the hashtag #TalkToUs;
• download and display campaign posters in your workplace or local community;
• encourage open dialogue around mental health in your networks;
• support your local Samaritans branch through volunteering or donations.

Whether it’s a text, a call, or a coffee with a friend, reaching out could change, or even save, a life.

You can find more information about the campaign and how you can get involved, here!