Radiohead drummer Philip Selway was a Samaritans listening volunteer for 15 years before coming on board to support numerous campaigns and initiatives.
In 2002, Philip ran the London Marathon for us, raising £20k. As our Ambassador he's subsequently attended a variety of dinners and events, promoted our work in media interviews and provided quotes for our website and socials.
In 2021, Philip provided this quote in support of our book 'How to Listen'
Listening is so important because people want to be heard. I know how good it makes me feel when I’m heard, and I know how that positive experience keeps me moving forward. If we all have that kind of experience then, actually, we could be in a much healthier and more sustainable place as a society
As an Ambassador of 2023 Independent Venue Week, Philip played 5 gigs and at each of these the local Samaritans branch attended and did a bucket collection, raising a total of £940.88 to go towards their crucial work in local communities as well as raising vital awareness to new audiences.
During the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, Philip attended our Listening Garden, designed by Darren Hawkes, meeting our volunteers, staff and other supporters.
In November 2025, Radiohead embarked on their first tour in seven years, featuring a 4-night residency at London’s O2 Arena from November 21–25, 2025. They and Philip kindly enabled Samaritans volunteers to attend each night for awareness raising and donations, promoting this on their social channels to their huge audiences. As well as raising money, we got some amazing feedback from the crowds at the O2. A number of people told us they had used our service and that they would not be alive today if it wasn't for the support they received from Samaritans volunteers.
