Samaritans

“I was on my way to work, I saw someone in a dangerous place who I felt worried about, so I decided to approach them and begin talking. I found out they were feeling suicidal, and they felt completely alone in what they were going through emotionally and mentally. “I was talking with them for around an hour and extra support arrived. Later down the line I received a phone call from them where they let me know they ended up getting the help they needed and thanked me. But the experience really opened my eyes to the fact that there are people out there that need that type of support and don’t get it. “It set me on the path to training as a listening volunteer with Samaritans - something I’ve now been doing for five years. We take such a large variety of calls, one that really sticks with me was with a woman who was in a really low place in her life. By the end of the call, we were both crying with laughter - she said to me it was the first time she’d laughed in 6 months. That was a real gift to me. There are gems like that from calls on every shift. Those calls where you know you’ve got them through the night until the next day are so important to me.” Thank you so much to Keith for everything he does for us, and for sharing his story to show that by starting a conversation, you could help save someone’s life. We’d love to know if any of you have had similar experiences - times when you’ve approached someone who was struggling, or when someone has supported you when you were feeling suicidal. We’d be so grateful if you could share your story with us through this short form: https://bit.ly/3feBc3o To help keep the comments section safe for everyone, we’d kindly ask that you share your story via the form rather than in the comments section. Thank you so much for understanding and for helping us look after each other.

Even if you don’t feel it right now - you matter more than you know. Call us for free anytime on 116 123.

You don’t have to be an expert to help someone open up, and you don’t need the perfect words, the ones you already have are enough. 💚

"I was out cycling on a normal Monday in October when I saw a man who looked visibly upset, and that he might be thinking of taking his life. A woman had already stopped and was talking to him as I arrived. I joined her and tried to get him talking. I introduced myself, asked his name, and what had brought him to this point. From my Samaritans ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ course training, I knew that if he could talk and get things off his chest, he might feel some emotional release. While we spoke, the lady went to call for help. I wanted to get him to a safer place. He was anxious at first but eventually agreed. I asked him to turn towards me so we could talk properly, face to face. When he did, we shared a hug and held on for a minute or two. He told me it was a particularly tough day, he’d suffered with depression for ten years, and he was missing family he couldn’t see. The emergency services arrived and took over, arranging to take him to a mental health team. We said our goodbyes, and I felt really emotional. To see someone so distressed, where life has become too much, is heart-breaking. Without Samaritans training, the help of that brave lady, and the courage to talk, he might not have got the help he needed. I’m so grateful I could make a difference. What I learnt, and want to remind everyone, is not to be afraid - you won’t say the wrong thing. you have every chance of making things better, just by talking. It’s all about that human connection.” Thank you so much to John for sharing his story and showing that you can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts. We’d love to know if any of you have had similar experiences - times when you’ve helped someone who was struggling, or when someone has supported you. We’d be so grateful if you could share your story with us through this short form: https://bit.ly/3feBc3o To help keep the comments section safe for everyone, we’d kindly ask that you share your story via the form rather than in the comments section. Thank you so much for understanding and for helping us look after each other.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, it can help to talk with people who understand. Our free online support groups are a place for anyone who has lost someone to suicide. Find out more and book and online 👇 https://bit.ly/3EhWB7V

The world has made big strides in talking about mental health - but when it comes to suicidal thoughts, the conversation still feels tougher. It’s not because people don’t care and want to help. It’s because fear of saying the wrong thing, stigma, and misunderstanding is still getting in the way. We think together we can change that. 💚 Talking openly about suicide can save lives. It can help people feel less alone, more understood, and more able to reach out for help. Swipe to read our tips Reshare to help spread the message this World Mental Health Day.

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day - and we want you to know: we see you, you matter and we’re here for you if life feels tough. Call us on 116 123 💚

We’re here day or night, 365 days a year. 📱Call us for free on 116 123.

Emergency responders like paramedics, fire fighters and police are often the first on the scene when someone is in suicidal crisis. But right now, they’re overstretched, under resourced and they don’t all get the suicide prevention training or workplace support they need. Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide, and the emergency services workers who are called out to help, are both being failed right now. Join us to call on the Government and let them know that all of us deserve better - they need to make sure that all emergency workers have the support and resources they need to get proper suicide prevention training and put it into action to help save lives. Get involved 👉 https://bit.ly/480xKqM