Popular searches
We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. But suicide is preventable, and we can all play a part.
Samaritans’ latest campaign encourages us to support each other to Believe in Tomorrow. If we Believe in Tomorrow, together we can save lives.
Stories of hope such as Harki. The charity helped him switch his perspective during a difficult time.
“I was in a long-term relationship during my early twenties and when we broke up, I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking about it all the time, almost constantly. I felt like I was a burden to friends and family wanting to talk about it more and that I should just be OK already.
“I always knew I could talk to Samaritans if I was going through a rough time. When I first called, I spoke to a volunteer for around 50 minutes. He was brilliant, he listened and helped me look at things differently. It wasn’t instantly better, but it helped me consider that I wasn’t at a dead end.
“A few months later, I was still feeling the same and putting pressure on myself to be in a better place. I contacted Samaritans again and with the volunteer’s support, I completely switched my perspective. Talking to a stranger can be intimidating but there’s also comfort in that. Those calls really helped me at that time in my life.
Harki is now running the 2024 TCS London Marathon for Samaritans, after the charity helped him "to believe in tomorrow".
He adds: “I know there is still a stigma attached to mental health today and after my own experiences, I realise now how important it is to talk. I have an incredible group of friends I can rely on if I’m feeling low or to help me through more difficult times in my life. And through talking I’ve been able to support my friends too – it’s made me more aware.
“The 2024 TCS London Marathon will be my first marathon and I’ve chosen to fundraise for Samaritans because I’ll always have a soft spot for the charity - I know how crucial they were for me at a time in my life when I needed someone to listen and to encourage me to believe in tomorrow.”
Samaritans hopes to raise £1.7 million through the 2024 TCS London Marathon so that no one has to face their darkest hours alone. Every step taken and every pound raised will help Samaritans support more people from all backgrounds who are struggling to cope.
If you have a ballot place and want to support Samaritans, you can register to join #TeamSamaritans below. It's free to sign up, and there is no minimum fundraising target.
