Archived post - Wellbeing Wednesday post from 19th July 2023 - with information on the Samaritans & how to start a conversation about mental health
It’s Wellbeing Wednesday! & this week we’d like to take the opportunity to mark Samaritans Awareness Day.
Samaritans Awareness Day takes place every year on 24th July – an aptly chosen date, as the Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone who’s struggling to cope.
On this date, and throughout July, the Samaritans run their awareness-raising campaign Talk to Us – to remind people that they’re here for anyone who needs someone to listen.
❓How can you get involved?❓
- Social media – if you’d like to get involved, you can help raise awareness this month by sharing Samaritans’ messaging on your social media pages using #TalkToUs and #SamaritansAwarenessDay
- On the Samaritans website, you’ll find a range of downloadable social assets, including images, GIFS, & suggested social media posts. Click here.
- Volunteering/donating – considering donating or volunteering your time to Samaritans? – click here to find out how you can get involved & support Oxford Samaritans.
- Let’s get talking! – challenge yourself to have a conversation with a family member, friend, or colleague about mental health – reduce the stigma & normalise the conversation! Keep reading for tips & resources to help you get started.
📱Samaritans – contact information📱
When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
🗣️Let’s get talking! How to: start a conversation about mental health🗣️
We all have mental health, & by having honest & open conversations about it we can reduce stigma, normalise the conversation, & create supportive environments where we can talk openly & feel empowered to seek help when we need it.
It can feel awkward & uncomfortable to ask someone about their mental health – but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Able Futures, Samaritans & Mind have some great resources & useful tips to help:
- Able Futures – 5 top tips on starting a conversation about mental health
- Samaritans – SHUSH listening tips
- Mind – if you’re struggling with your own mental health, Mind are always there to support. They offer guidance on how to seek help (including advice on how to take the first steps in opening up to your family & friends) – click here
