Samaritans is interrupting Londoners daily routines with a series of striking graffiti messages designed to encourage them to “reach in” and support someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Five powerful messages have appeared in locations including Camden High Street and Whitfield Gardens. Created using reverse graffiti, each 1m by 1m message features words from someone who was once in their darkest place – but whose suicidal thoughts were interrupted by a timely intervention.
The campaign aims to remind people that a simple act of connection can make a life-saving difference, and encourage them to reach out if they are concerned that someone they know may be struggling.
One in four people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, meaning many people are likely to know someone who has struggled or may be struggling now.
The campaign forms part of the World Gold Council’s partnership with Samaritans, shining a light on the charity’s life-saving work and helping more people understand the role they can play in supporting someone who may be struggling.
Research commissioned by Samaritans found that just one in 10 people in Britain feel comfortable intervening if they are concerned about someone’s wellbeing.
A third (32%) fear they could make the situation worse, while 32% worry they would say the wrong thing. Almost one in five (18%) do not know how they would be able to help after reaching out, while 27% worry about invading someone’s privacy.
British culture may also be holding people back. Almost eight in 10 (79%) believe it can make people reluctant to interrupt or get involved in other people’s personal matters.
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said: “Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted, and this is hugely important. This campaign is all about reminding people, as they go about their daily lives, that a small interruption can make a huge difference.
“If you think someone might be struggling or experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t worry about saying the perfect thing – just interrupt and ask if they’re OK. It could be life-saving.”
The research also found that 29% of people regret not reaching out to someone they believed was in need of support. Yet 85% believe that a simple conversation can have a positive impact on someone who is struggling.
Despite this, almost a third (32%) would not feel confident recognising signs that someone might be struggling emotionally. Half said a noticeable change in behaviour would prompt them to reach out, while just 15% would be prompted by something the person had said.
Of those who regretted not offering help to someone potentially going through a difficult time, 30% were concerned about how the person might react, while 31% said they were dealing with their own issues at the time.
The research, conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 adults, also found that 37% believe society has become less caring towards others over the past 10 years, compared with 26% who believe it has become more caring.
The findings suggest there is an appetite for greater support and education, with 48% saying there should be better public education about how to support someone who is struggling, while 52% would like to see more awareness campaigns.
James Spake, Global Marketing Head for EMEA at the World Gold Council, said:“It can be hard to know what to say when we are worried about someone. The Interruptions campaign is an important reminder that being there to show someone you care can make all the difference. We are proud to support Samaritans in sharing that message.”
The campaign encourages people to overcome the fear of saying the wrong thing and instead make the decision to interrupt, ask how someone is doing and show that they care.
ENDS
For more information, please contact [email protected]
About Samaritans
Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
Samaritans volunteers are available round-the-clock to listen and support people. They won’t judge or tell you what to do.
Anyone in crisis can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org
Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 23,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.