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What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves. It can take a number of forms, but all self-harm is serious and a sign of emotional distress.

Emma's story

The reasons for self-harm are complex, but it is a sign of serious emotional distress. It is possible to stop self-harming. This is Emma’s story.

Suicide Prevention – Help available from Samaritans

Tuesday 10 September 2019 is World Suicide Prevention Day – Samaritans is a charity that aims to reduce the incidence of suicide by encouraging people to talk about their thoughts and feelings.

More Real Stories from Real People

We're here for anyone who needs someone. Here are some stories from people who reached out when they were having a tough time.

Ollie's Story

Sometimes it’s alright not to be alright

Small Talk Saves Lives picks up PR awards

Small Talk Saves Lives campaign was recognised at the UK PR and communications industry’s PRCA Digital Awards

• 6th April 2018
• All

John's story

Inspired by his own experience with friends coming to him for help with their own suicidal thoughts, John decided to take part in Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contacts course in December 2019.

Carl’s story

"The conversations I had with Samaritans saved my life. I can say that, without hesitation. I’m alive because they were there when I needed them."

To Talk Is To Do

Tottenham Hotspur is encouraging football fans to reach out for support when they need it most by making a call to Samaritans.

What can you do to help yourself cope? #4 Get Outside

Great Yarmouth Samaritans have been looking at practical ways people help themselves cope - the fourth in the series looks at getting outside

• 22nd November 2025

'Social pressures harming men' say Samaritans as charity reveals two in five men fake interests to seem more 'masculine'

New Samaritans research reveals that more than two thirds of men (68%) would live differently if they were free from social judgement, including taking up singing, painting or dancing.

• 18th November 2025
• Press release
• All

Mind Your Step - Clintons 227-mile walk

This month, fundraiser Clinton, 29, is undertaking an extraordinary challenge of strength and willpower: walking 227 miles from Eastbourne to Plymouth to raise funds for Samaritans.

The Premier League

Samaritans are proud to be working in partnership with The Premier League on “Together Against Suicide”, a new initiative to support fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

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."

Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

It’s time to stop whispering about suicide. We are losing too many to silence. Help us shout about saving lives today.

’Interruptions’ - a poem

Doug'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

Hannah’s story

"One night, I was really struggling and that’s when I called Samaritans."

Cylist to ascend equivalent of Mount Everest in cycle around Scotland for Samaritans

Neil Beattie is a Shetland-based cyclist taking on an Everest sized cycle and meeting Samaritans volunteers across Scotland’s towns and cities to raise vital funds.

• 22nd July 2025
• Blog
• Scotland

Samaritans comments on Government's 10 year health plan for England

Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley has responded to the Government's 10 year health plan for England

• 3rd July 2025
• Comment
• England