Help people in need to get support from the Samaritans

Complete this community mission any time before the 14th of November

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

If someone is struggling with their mental health, Samaritans are there to provide a listening ear, with no judgement and no pressure.

To help them reach people who might be struggling to cope, the charity has created 'talk to us' tags, which share their contact details, and state, 'If you're looking for a sign not to kill yourself, this is it.' It is a message that many people will find upsetting, but it is worth sharing if there is a chance it can save someone's life.

How can GoodGym help?

Samaritans are asking runners to help by affixing these tags in places where they may be seen by someone who is struggling to cope. Suggested locations include benches and bridges in public places, particularly in locations where people might feel isolated. They ask that we avoid attaching the tags to monuments.

If you would like to help there are a few steps you need to follow:

1. Get a tag from Amy at a GoodGym group session or by contacting her to arrange collection (amylovell@goodgym.org or 07939487106).

2. Go for a run, walk or bike ride and affix your tag. You are welcome to do this with other GoodGym members, friends or family. The more the merrier! Feel free to use the group WhatsApp to find buddies and also to compare notes on locations so that twenty of us don't all head to the same spot.

3. Take a photo to share with Amy and Let Amy know the location of the tag. She will create a map to share our reach with the Samaritans.

If you are worried about someone, you might also like to check out this page on the Samaritans website. It contains lots of really helpful advice about how to be a good listener, how to get more help and how to look after yourself as well.

Many thanks to Ruth North from Maidenhead Athletic Club and @mentalhealthrunner, who have helped us get involved with this initiative.