Supporting mental health: Celebrating Samaritans Awareness Day
During July, Samaritans is actively promoting awareness to remind individuals that they are available 24/7 to support anyone facing difficult times or struggling to cope. Every 10 seconds, a Samaritans volunteer answers a call for help. There’s no ‘typical’ person who reaches out to their helpline, and no issue is considered too big or too small. Their compassionate listening volunteers provide a safe and non-judgmental space for those seeking to talk through their challenges.
Maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing is crucial for each of us, yet there are times when we all struggle. Our wellbeing can be influenced by both external and internal factors. Some individuals grapple with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, while others face external stressors beyond their control—such as rising living costs, moving homes, car breakdowns, or work-related stress. Although support can help manage these factors, some remain beyond our control and significantly impact our wellbeing. That’s why seeking support is essential. Many people find it difficult to reach out to friends and family during such times, which is where services like Shout come in.
At Paragon Skills, we prioritise the mental health of our learners and colleagues. As a provider with the Gold Leaders in Safeguarding award, our programmes incorporate self-study and guided reflection to help learners maintain wellbeing and build resilience. However, there are moments when direct support or intervention is necessary. Our partnership with Shout—a crisis text messaging service—offers 24/7 crisis support. Simply text ‘Pgon’ to 85258, and a trained crisis volunteer will engage with you, respecting your pace. Through questions, active listening, and empathetic responses, they’ll guide you toward a calm, safe space. If needed, they’ll also provide referrals to other services for ongoing support.
We are proud to support Samaritans, an incredible cause that is needed now more than ever. As part of our commitment, we’re spreading awareness on social media and celebrating Samaritans Awareness Day on 24th July.
If you’d like to contribute, consider sharing Samaritans’ messages on your own social platforms. Let your loved ones know that free support is available.
Remember, when life feels challenging, Samaritans are available to listen day or night. You can reach out by calling 116 123 for free, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.