24 July (24/7) is Samaritans Awareness Day, because they are available to listen 24/7.

On this date and throughout July, they will be running their awareness-raising campaign ‘Talk to Us’, to remind people across Wales that they are available day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope and who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, they’re taking action to prevent the crisis.

They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.

In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

Suicide is a significant public health and social inequality issue, with more than 6,000 people across the UK and Republic of Ireland taking their own lives each year. Tens of thousands more attempt suicide. Yet, it has been proven that suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based interventions.

Suicide is more common among some groups than others. For example, it is more likely among men than women, and in particular men in their 40s and 50s from a lower socio-economic group.

Suicide is complex and most of the time there isn’t one event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. It is usually a combination of lots of different factors interacting with each other to increase risk. A combination of individual, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide.

More than 1 in 20 people make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Their choice of method is the most important determinant of whether they live or die. While previous suicide attempts is a risk factor for dying by suicide at a later point, research shows that only a small proportion of those who attempt suicide and survive will go on to die by suicide at a later date.

Some people considering suicide may hint at or even disclose to friends or relatives that they intend to take their own lives. Other people who are feeling suicidal might not mention it at all or give any indication of their intention. There is no evidence to suggest that asking someone if they are OK will make them feel worse. Talking can help. Only a third of people who die by suicide have been in contact with specialist mental health services in the year before their death.

As well as their core listening service, Samaritans branches, volunteers and teams are delivering a wide range of local and strategic regional and national projects that seek to break cycles of suicide risk.

As Neil Ingham, Samaritans Executive Director for Wales, has said: “We must and can action real change in Wales and challenge the current rate of suicide, which is about 300-350 people per year. This figure has not changed in over 20 years and I’m not prepared to let this continue.” 

When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123.

If you would like emotional support in Welsh, they have a Welsh Language Line which is free to call on 0808 164 0123 (Open every day 7pm-11pm) These numbers won’t show up on your phone bill.

You can also email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.