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Got Questions? Real People, Real Stories

What is Real People, Real Stories and what is its purpose? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Samaritans campaign.

Samaritans launch awareness campaign to encourage men to seek help

A new survey commissioned by Samaritans released today (19 March) shows that there is still a stigma around men seeking help when they are struggling to cope.

• 19th March 2019
• All

COULD YOU BE A SAMARITAN?

• 30th April 2018

Becoming a Samaritan by Jacky

• 12th October 2018

Celebri-teas stand up to loneliness for Samaritans’ Brew Monday

Reaching out to someone could make all the difference, says Love Island’s Dr Alex George

• 21st January 2019
• All

Samaritans and the online environment

There has been much talk over the last few years about the role the internet can play on reducing (or increasing) suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

• 22nd November 2013
• All

DEAL: helping my friends

In this session we will learn: to identify when friends need help; to identify the thoughts and feelings of someone who is feeling low; to identify agencies that can help

DEAL: let it out

In this session we will learn: the benefits and risks of expressing our feelings; how we can express feelings in different ways using written words; how poetry and other creative channels can help to express feelings

DEAL: Coping with pressures

In this session we will learn: to understand that pressures can impact on our thoughts and feelings; to understand that we have a choice as to how we react to feelings.

When you are supporting friends and family

As a friend or family member you are well placed to notice if someone close to you is struggling to cope following a suspected suicide.

Download our Step by Step guidance

Samaritans has offered the Step by Step service to schools in the UK since 2010. We are available to offer practical support and advice to schools that have been affected by an attempted or suspected suicide.

National and local suicide prevention strategies

We’re working with governments across the UK and Ireland to make their national strategies for suicide prevention as ambitious and effective as possible. Read our recommendations.

Managing suicidal conversations

Giving people and teams the confidence, knowledge and skills to talk to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Write a letter

You can send us a letter for free, and one of our volunteers will reply with a hand-written response. Read more about how this works.

Talk to us on the phone

Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

Privacy Statement

At Samaritans, privacy is at the heart of what we do. Read more in our privacy statement.

Our vision, mission and values

Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

💚 Samaritans Awareness Day: A Lifeline of Hope and Listening

Every year on July 24th, we mark Samaritans Awareness Day — a powerful reminder that help is always available, and no one has to face their struggles alone.

• 24th July 2025

Laura's Story - Through darkness and daylight, Samaritans volunteers are here to listen 24/7

It’s the 24th July, also known as 24/7, or Samaritans Awareness Day. Samaritans listening volunteers are here to pick up calls from people in emotional crisis around the clock.

• 24th July 2025
• Scotland

Samaritans will always be here for people in their darkest moments