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How to start a conversation with somebody who needs help

It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation and making small talk. You might worry about saying the wrong thing – but having the confidence to act could help save a life.

One year on: data on Covid-19

These pages explore how the pandemic has affected wellbeing and suicide risk, based on findings from analysis of Samaritans service data and surveys of Samaritans volunteers.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

To genuinely address the causes of suicide and self-harm, we must take more practical action to challenge discrimination and injustice, working hand in hand with people affected by both.

Prisoners get a digital connection to Samaritans

Unilink and Samaritans have launched a new service at HMP Wayland that allows people in prison to message Samaritans for emotional support.

• 31st October 2019
• Press release
• All

Samaritans’ work in the gambling industry

One of Samaritans’ priority issues this year is addressing and gaining a greater understanding of gambling related harm.

• 27th August 2019
• Comment
• All

Exclusion from school in Wales: the hidden cost

Find out more about our work on exclusion and suicide risk.

Samaritans to encourage men to seek help & ‘talk to us’ in Drogheda

Volunteers mark 24/7 to remind people they’re there around the clock

Samaritans to encourage men to seek help & ‘talk to us’

Volunteers mark 24/7 to remind people they’re there around the clock

• News story
• Ireland

Samaritans Ireland responds to one call for help every minute in last year

Phone providers extend support for free helpline as one million calls received since inception

• 15th December 2015
• Ireland

Media briefing on the death of Robin Williams

Following the death of Robin Williams and ahead of the inquest, Samaritans is strongly advising the media to follow its guidelines for the reporting of suicide and the specific guidance on this case:

• 12th August 2014
• All

Local Action Saves Lives

In 2016, we wrote to local politicians across the UK.

Samaritans welcomes PM statements on World Mental Health Day

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland, responds to Government’s funding announcement to support the helpline and welcomes the appointment of a Minister for Suicide Prevention.

• 10th October 2018
• All

Bilingual media guidelines

Our Media Guidelines for reporting suicide are also available in Welsh.

Memorials information

Following any death, there is a natural wish to pay tribute to the person who has died. Following a death by suspected suicide, there is a need for careful planning and management of any memorial in the university or elsewhere.

Memorials

It’s natural to want to pay tribute to those who have died. Here's some guidance on managing a memorial following a suspected suicide.

Identifying and supporting vulnerable students

Suicide is a complex issue, usually with no single cause and it’s therefore not possible to generalise. However, there is some evidence to suggest that people who have previously experienced bereavement by suicide may be more vulnerable.

Walton

At North West Surrey Samaritans Samaritans we provide a safe place, where people can be themselves and talk about whatever is bothering them.

• England

Preston

Since 1970, Preston Samaritans have been helping those struggling to cope, by answering calls from those that need to talk, as well as through work in the local community.

• England

Slough

Our Mission:

• England

Understanding our services

Research shows the impact of Samaritans services for people in emotional distress.