Samaritans

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. 💚

If you're feeling nervous about calling us, remember we're here for you every step of the way. Here’s some info you might find reassuring. 💚👇

“For me, life as a disabled person has always been about how this is going to work, rather than being defeated before you've even started.” Julia has been volunteering with us for 18 years, and she is also Co-Chair of our Disabled Staff and Volunteers Network. This #DisabilityPrideMonth, Julia explains the motivation behind her work. “I know if I can do it, then I can help build the path for the next person who comes along. It is also about changing the languages around disability and taking away the negative associations people have with disability. If we embrace the strength of individuals and see what people can offer, then it becomes easier to break down the barriers.” Thank you, Julia, for sharing your experience with us. Watch Julia’s video for more.

Finish the sentence in the comments below 👇 We’ll go first! It’s OK to... 💚 Take it day by day 💚 Not have it all figured out 💚 Prioritise your wellbeing

James is running a marathon every day in 2024, and today he’s at his halfway point. This is an absolutely huge challenge, and he’s taking it on to fundraise for us. Please leave him some love and encouragement in the comments 💚 Here are some words from James 👇 “I experienced a depressive period in my life that rocked me to my core. After that, I started to fundraise for others who might be struggling. During those times in my life when it’s been tough, having someone there to listen to me has made a huge difference and that’s what Samaritans do. Sadly, I lost my uncle to suicide, which is where my connections with Samaritans began. It made me want to be there for others when they need it. During those moments on my daily marathons, when I’m thinking ‘Can I keep going?’, it spurs me on to know that Samaritans are there for people who are thinking the same about life. I’d say to anyone else struggling right now, know you aren’t alone. There are a lot of people who are feeling or have felt how you do. Get help from someone you trust – whether that’s a friend or talking to a service like Samaritans. Be gentle with yourself. Lower the requirements you have on yourself for a day – the small things are wins. Getting out of bed, making a cup of tea – anything that helps you recognise your power. Know that it will pass – nothing is permanent.” Thank you James, for everything you do for us, we’re so proud to have an amazing supporter like you. We’ll be cheering you on for the rest of the year 💚