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4 reminders if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts right now: 1. You’re not alone in what you’re feeling 2. It’s OK to talk about what’s going on in your mind 3. You deserve support and understanding 4. We’re here for you anytime on 116 123

#BankHoliday weekends can be difficult if your usual support systems are not available. 💚 If you're struggling, whatever the reason, we are here to listen. Call us free on 📞116 123 or email [email protected]. #bankholidayweekend

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An amazing weekend at Manchester Pride. So good to join with other branches for the parade 😁 Samaritans I Love Manchester #manchesterpride #mcrpride #samaritans

There may be times when you see something online about self-harm or suicide that you find worrying or harmful. It's important that you feel able to control what you see and engage with. 🧵 Here are some tools available to you.

🔇 Muting or hiding topics or keywords Many platforms have tools that will allow you to block or hide topics, keywords or #hashtags that you don’t want to see. Sometimes they’re called ‘filters’ or ‘hidden words’, and you can find them in your settings.

🤐Unfollowing, muting or blocking accounts Sometimes you might find that someone you follow posts things that you don’t like seeing. You have different options available: unfollow or block to stop interactions, or mute to remain connected without seeing their posts in your feed.

🔔 Turn off or set time limits If you find yourself easily caught up in social media, it can be helpful to turn off notifications or set time limits for how long you can stay on the app. These can be helpful if you spend more time on social media than you want to.

⚠ Reporting content Despite all these tools, you will sometimes see content you find distressing or that you worry could be harmful to someone else. It’s important to report any harmful content. This can be done by tapping the three dots on a post and selecting ‘report’.

💚 Your online communities should feel like a safe space for you to connect. By using these tools available, you’re taking control and helping to create a more positive experience for not only you, but everyone online. Find out more about online safety - bit.ly/3oSorir

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September is #suicidepreventionmonth. If you're struggling to keep your head above water, whatever the reason, we are here to listen. 💚 Call us free on 📞116 123 or email [email protected].

If life feels too heavy, please reach out. You’re never truly alone, even if it feels that way right now. Talking to a friend, a family member, your GP, or someone you trust can really help. And remember, we’re always here to listen 24/7 on 116 123.

Sometimes listening is the most important thing you can do for someone who is struggling. You don't need to offer advice or fix things, just be there for them and really listen.

Show you care. Give them your full attention and put away your phone.

Have patience. It can take some people time to express what they're feeling. Be patient and remember you don't have to always fill a silence.

Use open questions. Ask questions that need more than a yes or no answer. Like "what's been happening lately?" and "can you tell me more?".

Say it back. Check you've understood what they're saying, and resist putting your own interpretation on it or offering a solution.

Have courage. It can take a few tries before somebody is ready to open up. Don't be put off by a negative response. Let them know you're there if they ever want to talk.