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Small Talk Saves Lives Toolkit

Get involved our in Small Talk Saves Lives campaign this year

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.

Fiona's story

Mental health is not a straightforward journey for everyone – it’s certainly been tricky journey for Fiona.

Psychological effects

People we spoke to described experiencing a range of psychological impacts due to the pandemic, including the impact on suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Life during the pandemic

Read about the challenges, hopes and coping strategies of people who've felt suicidal or self-harmed since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Practical ways to help yourself cope

Information on what to do if you're feeling low or struggling to cope.

Adrienne urges others to make the call

Adrienne, 24, from North Lanarkshire, called Samaritans when she was struggling to cope. Now she is encouraging others to do the same.

• 10th September 2019
• Blog
• Scotland

Small Talk Saves Lives, says Samaritans

Samaritans is launching a campaign with British Transport Police, Network Rail and the wider rail industry to give travellers the confidence to trust their instincts and act if they notice someone who may be at risk of suicide in or around a station.

• 15th November 2017
• All

Samaritans Scotland welcomes new Suicide Prevention Action Plan shaped by lived experience

Samaritans Scotland has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, following figures that showed 680 people took their own life in Scotland in 2017.

• 9th August 2018
• Scotland

Hastings and Rother Samaritan Remind the Public that Small Talk Saves Lives

Samaritans are encouraging the general public to help save lives through the use of small talk.

• 8th November 2018

What we do at Samaritans

Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.

Scotland Shines Green for Samaritans on World Suicide Prevention Day

Samaritans light shone brightly across Scotland on World Suicide Prevention Day this year.

• 10th September 2025
• Scotland

Fran's story

"When you’re in the middle of a turbulent storm, you feel incredibly alone. But with Samaritans, there’s a hand reached out on the shore, and you only have to grab it."

‘Because tomorrow’s too late’: Samaritans Awareness Day challenge urges public to share the weight

A Kent man is calling on the public to help him carry his 24.7kg ‘bag of worries’ as part of a series of events to mark this year’s Samaritans Awareness Day.

• 23rd July 2025
• Press release
• All

'Paid Yesterday, Broke Today' - Research Appreciation Day with Dr Susan Rasmussen

This Research Appreciation Day (5th July), we spoke to Dr Susan Rasmussen, reader in Psychology at the University of Strathclyde, who worked with us on our recent 'Paid Yesterday, Broke Today' report.

• 5th July 2025
• Scotland

Staying safe online as a content creator when posting about suicide or self-harm

Things to consider for looking after yourself and your audience as a content creator when talking about suicide online

Dave and Charlotte’s story

"That could have been the day that everything changed forever. But then Dave asked if I was OK.”

Mark’s story

Mark found himself struggling to cope after his marriage ended, but reaching out to Samaritans helped him rebuild his life.

Laura’s story

Laura says Samaritans saved her life during a difficult time with her mental health. To give back and support others who are struggling like she was, Laura ran the 2024 TCS London Marathon for Samaritans.

Gavin's Story

As a business owner and single parent, Gavin has faced many challenges, including going alcohol-free and coping with personal loss. This journey led him to join Samaritans, where he now finds purpose in making a difference through the power of listening.