Samaritans

We asked you what mental health tips you would give to someone starting university. Swipe through the images below to see some of your responses. 👉 If you know someone that’s just moved for university, or is starting soon, share this post with them so that they know support is always available. 💚

If there's something on your mind, you can always talk to us about it. 📱 116 123

🚶♂️🚶♀️ Brits open up more while walking (46%) or on the phone (30%) according to our research, published today. In partnership with Samaritans, we're encouraging you to get together with friends, family or colleagues and join #DawnWalk in October for #WorldMentalHealthDay. Let's walk, talk, and raise vital funds for mental health support. Find out more and get involved today 👇 https://lnkd.in/g4RU4C-W

Amanda has been volunteering with us for 4 years. Here’s her thoughts on supporting others and what you can expect when you call 👇 “It’s a privilege to hear the deeply personal things people share, particularly when they say things like, ‘You’re the first person I’ve told this to.’ By the end of the call, you can often hear they feel more settled… it’s just a real honour. “It’s OK if you don’t know what to say or feel nervous about calling. We can ask some questions, but it’s up to you what you answer. You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable with. The call is yours and is guided by you. We just want to be there. “It really is a non-judgmental, safe space. There’s nothing you can’t talk to us about - anything that’s on your mind, or that you might find it difficult to talk to other people about. We’ll give you space to work through those feelings. “If you’re worried about someone and want to support them, know that it’s not always about giving advice. Let people talk at their own pace and reassure them that someone cares. Sometimes, that’s the most important thing you can do.”

Consuming online content, particularly on social media, can be overwhelming at times. This Youth Mental Health Day, let’s talk about some simple ways you can support the young people in your life to be safer online: ✅ Encourage them to report harmful content. ✅ Block or unfollow accounts that make them feel down. ✅ Help them set screen time limits. ✅ Turn off notifications when they need a break. ✅ Show them how to mute key words and phrases to filter out negativity. Remind them that setting boundaries online to improve their mental health is not selfish. Why not try these suggestions out for yourself too? Encourage them to do what works for them to create an online space they feel safe in 💚

People on the lowest incomes have a higher suicide risk than those who are wealthier. We’re seeing an average of 430 calls a day related to money or work. Money and mental health support needs to be much better joined up. Everyone with a mental health care plan should receive financial support and advice. Schemes that provide debt relief for people in mental health crisis in England and Wales, should be extended to include more people receiving mental health services, not just those in crisis. We’re calling on the new Government to make sure financial support and advice is built into their plans to prevent lives lost to suicide.

Very sadly 170,000 people are reported missing in the UK every year. We have been working in partnership with fellow charity Missing People since 2013 to actively reach those at greatest risk of suicide. Last year, we supported nearly 2,000 people through our Suicide Risk TextSafe® initiative which is delivered by Samaritans volunteers. “I took a call from a missing person one morning around 8am. The caller was in his car, and we spoke for a fairly short time, during which he painted a picture of despair. The fact that people he knew had reached out to Missing People really meant something to him. He thanked me and ended the call in order to contact his wife.” Nicki (pictured) is a Samaritans volunteer in our Plymouth branch who is involved in delivering the partnership. “I went home with a spring in my step after that shift. Together with Missing People we can make a real difference, it’s such a brilliant partnership.” Our volunteers get involved when the police have identified a High Risk Missing Person and request that a Suicide Risk TextSafe® be sent to them by Missing People. Missing People will then call a dedicated phone number that is automatically routed to one of our branches who support the partnership. The Samaritans volunteer that takes the referral will then attempt to call the missing person to provide emotional support. We are incredibly proud of the work we have achieved together over the last decade and are delighted to share that our partnership with Missing People won Charity Partnership of the Year at this year's Third Sector Awards. Huge congratulations to all involved with the partnership!

Have you ever tried journalling techniques to support your mental health? 📝✨   This is your sign to give it a go. Happiful have shared 4 ideas to try out:   📃 Bullet journaling, for organisation and mood tracking. 🗑️ Junk journaling, to clear your mind. 👀 Vision books, for visualising goals. 💚 Gratitude journaling, to celebrate all wins, no matter the size.   Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gqHkES

We know the importance of suicide prevention. Just because #WorldSuicidePreventionDay is over, it doesn't mean we should stop talking about it. Be part of the change, encourage open and honest conversations about suicidal feelings, and help us continue the fight to save lives.

📢 Our research found that 74% of people feel comfortable talking to their friends and family about mental health. But there's still a significant gap when it comes to discussing suicidal thoughts, with only 45% of people feeling able to talk about them. Help us change this. We want to encourage open, honest conversations about suicidal feelings and help you share the hardest words to say. Start the conversation today. Ask someone if they're feeling suicidal. It could even save a life.  #WorldSuicidePreventionDay