Talk to Us is a Samaritans’ annual awareness-raising campaign observed all through July. Talk To Us aims to highlight the charity’s work and the help it can offer. The nonprofit group, the Samaritans, started the campaign ‘Talk To Us’ in 2016. Branches of the Samaritans will organize events throughout July to raise awareness of the services they provide in their areas. These coordinated local events increase awareness that the Samaritans are available at any time of day or night to listen to anyone who is struggling to cope.
History of Talk to Us
The ‘Talk To Us’ campaign was initiated on July 5, 2016, by a charity organization called The Samaritans. The Samaritans have been in existence for more than 65 years. It was founded in London in 1953 by a vicar named Chad Varah. Chad had provided counseling to his parishioners throughout his career, but he wanted to do something more specialized to assist people who were contemplating suicide. In November 1953, Chad Varah answered the first call to a groundbreaking new helpline for people contemplating suicide.
After opening the Samaritans’ helpline, Chad would work all day and stay up until two or three a.m. writing scripts and cartoons, to make ends meet. However, in the summer of 1953, Chad established a ‘999 for the suicidal’ position. The Samaritans began as a London-based organization. However, the publicity sparked a lot of interest in other parts of the U.K. In the years that followed, several other Samaritans centers were established, the second of which was Samaritans in Edinburgh, which received its first call on June 1, 1959. According to Mind, one in every four people in England suffers from a mental health condition each year. Those who are experiencing challenges or discomfort must have somewhere to turn.
A variety of events are held throughout the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. Given the prevalence of mental health concerns, adequate support must be always available to those who require it. A crisis can occur at any time, which is why Samaritans’ 24-hour service is invaluable. Understandably, recognizing when you or someone you care about is having trouble coping can be challenging. The Samaritans’ website has a wealth of material to assist you in recognizing crucial indications of inability to cope.
Talk to Us timeline
“The Samaritans'' is launched in London by a vicar named Chad Varah.
The phrase “Telephone Good Samaritan” is invented by the Daily Mirror just a month after its introduction by the Samaritans.
The Samaritans in Edinburgh, receive their first distress call on June 1.
The Samaritans initiated a month-long awareness campaign called ‘Talk to Us.’
The Samaritans reach more than half a million people through their work in local communities.
Talk to Us FAQs
What does the Bible say about Samaritans?
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals ten lepers, and only the Samaritan among them thanks him, although Luke 9:51–56 depicts Jesus receiving a hostile reception in Samaria. Luke’s favorable treatment of Samaritans is in line with Luke’s favorable treatment of the weak and of outcasts, generally.
What does Samaritan mean?
A ‘Samaritan’ is a person who is generous in assisting people who are in need or distress.
How old is the Samaritan charity?
The Samaritans have been around for almost 69 years.
How to Observe Talk to Us
Check in on friends and family
Make it a habit of checking in with loved ones once or twice a week. Set reminders on your calendar or phone, and always are available to those who are in desperate need of assistance.
Volunteer at the Samaritans charity
There are 201 branches across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland run entirely by volunteers. You can volunteer your time to assist in the delivery of emotional support services to callers.
Make donations to the cause
Making donations assists the Samaritans in carrying out their emotional support service duties for people. You can also start fundraisers through bake sales, bike rides, or even marathons.
5 Facts About Samaritans
Anonymous
To ensure the privacy of the caller, Samaritans has also provided anonymous email support.
Non-religious organization
Despite the name derivation from a biblical parable, “The Samaritan” organization is non-religious.
Over five million assistance requests
Samaritans received 5,100,000 requests for assistance in 2014, via phone, email, text, letter, minicom, Typetalk, face-to-face, work in prisons, and at local and national festivals and other events.
Extensive volunteer training
Samaritans volunteers get extensive training and are thus nonjudgmental, compassionate, and consistent.
Confidentiality
Caller confidentiality is strictly enforced by Samaritans.
Why Talk to Us is Important
Creates awareness
Given the prevalence of mental health concerns in our culture, the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign creates awareness of the importance of adequate emotional support. The campaign challenges everyone to listen more to those around them.
Promotes emotional and mental wellness
The ‘Talk to Us’ campaign by the Samaritans promotes mental and emotional wellness. The Samaritans promote techniques to encourage wellness and ways to offer emotional support.
Educates individuals
The Samaritans' website has a wealth of material to assist individuals in recognizing crucial indications of inability to cope. They also offer practical solutions to assist you in coping, identifying triggers, and reminding you that you're not alone.
Talk to Us dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
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