- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessMental Health
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every July
- Holiday emoji:
- 🗣️
Talk to Us is Samaritans’ annual awareness-raising campaign observed throughout July. This vital initiative highlights the charity’s work and the crucial help it offers to those struggling to cope. Learn how to foster open conversations, support mental well-being, and connect with resources.
Want to sponsor Talk to Us? Learn how
Expected Talk to Us Deals
Throughout July, Talk to Us focuses on raising awareness and funds for mental health support rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Samaritans partner with corporate entities for donation drives, virtual events, and awareness campaigns. Expect to see employers promoting mental health resources and offering workshops. Many brands will engage in cause-related marketing, such as donating a portion of sales from specific products to mental health charities, or matching employee contributions. Look for opportunities to participate in charity walks, online fundraisers, and educational webinars. We will update this page with confirmed live events and partnerships as July approaches, directing visitors to official campaign sites for participation.
Platform Guide for Talk to Us
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #TalkToUs. Share resources, host virtual discussions on mental well-being, and highlight workplace support initiatives.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TalkToUs. Share personal stories (with consent), post Samaritans’ resources, and organize community support groups.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #TalkToUs. Share helpline numbers, quick tips for checking in on friends, and retweet messages from mental health advocates and organizations.
Talk to Us Hero
Chad Varah
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Talk to Us
Local businesses can honor Talk to Us throughout July by fostering open communication and prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace. Consider hosting a ‘Lunch & Learn’ session with a mental health professional or offering free resources to employees. Retailers can partner with local mental health organizations for donation matching campaigns or dedicate a portion of sales to support helplines. Restaurants might offer a ‘Talk & Tea’ special, encouraging patrons to connect over a comforting beverage, while clearly displaying information about mental health support services.
Talk to Us FAQs
When is Talk to Us?
Talk to Us 2026 runs throughout July, from Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 31. This month-long campaign encourages everyone to open up conversations about mental health and support those in need.
How many people are affected by mental health issues?
Globally, approximately one in eight people live with a mental health condition, according to the World Health Organization. This highlights the widespread need for campaigns like Talk to Us to foster understanding and support.
How can I support the Talk to Us campaign?
You can support Talk to Us by actively listening to others, sharing Samaritans’ resources, and participating in local events or fundraisers. Spreading awareness on social media using #TalkToUs also helps amplify the message.
What is the history behind the Samaritans?
The Samaritans was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, an Anglican priest in London, who sought to provide a confidential listening service for people contemplating suicide. It was the first helpline of its kind.
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.
Social Media Tips for Talk to Us
Individuals
Creators
Brands