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Samaritans Awareness Day is held every year and this time it lands on 24th July. The aim of the day is to be there for anyone that needs them as well as encourage people to become better listeners.

Who are the Samaritans?

Samaritans is comprised of many volunteers that are there to respond for calls of help. It does not matter when you call, day or night - they always have someone available to help. The Samaritans pride themselves on being there to listen and offer support. Ever since Covid-19 and the lockdowns that followed, it was nice to have people like the Samaritans there available to listen to those that has felt isolated making them feel more comfortable and left with the knowledge as well as the skills to cope.

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What is Samaritans Awareness Day - 24/7 all about?

As mentioned above, the Samaritans are here to listen, 24/7 no matter the time of day. Nevertheless, they also want to encourage people to become better listeners in hopes they can help support their friends and families that have been struggling to cope - especially over recent years. Furthermore, it will help improve relationships with family and in turn make them more comfortable opening up about their feelings.

                                                            Photo by James Sutton on Unsplash

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On Samaritans.org they have suggested three possible pledges you can make during the awareness day. Those being:

• I pledge to listen without being distracted

Try things like making eye contact, putting your phones away and focusing completely on the other person. If you're talking to someone on the phone, try doing it in a quiet place.

• I pledge to listen without interrupting

Try and remember that pauses are fine, you don't need to jump in and fill a silence. Resist putting your own interpretation on what the other person is saying, and repeat back what they say so it shows you're listening.

• Check in on loved ones

Why not try adding reminders to your calendar or phone, to check in with loved ones once or twice a week. Do not give up; sometimes it can take a few tries to get someone to open up about how they're feeling.

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I recommend clicking on the link about and see the resources Samaritans have available as well as the fun ways you van get involved.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the Twitter hashtag #WeListen and follow them @samaritans

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Photo by James Sutton on Unsplash

https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/talk-us/