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Wellbeing Brief - SHUSH to be a better listener

18 Jul 2018

This month, the Samaritans are challenging the UK to become better listeners by sharing expert tips on how to be a better listener

Samaritans July campaign

The Samaritans' vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Every six seconds, someone contacts Samaritans, and every 90 minutes someone takes their own life. You don't have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you're going through, you can call them free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

Talk To Us is their annual awareness-raising campaign that is running throughout July. This year Samaritans are challenging the UK to become better listeners by sharing expert tips on how to be a better listener. 

Samaritans wants to encourage people to listen to the really important things their friends, family and colleagues need to tell them, and to actually devote some time and attention to being better listeners. When people feel listened to, it can save a life. Become a better listener with their SHUSH listening tips.

  • Show you care - Focus on the other person, make eye contact and put away your phone.
  • Have patience - It may take time and several attempts before a person is ready to open up.
  • Use open questions - Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer, and follow up with questions like "Tell me more".
  • Say it back - Check you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution.
  • Have courage - Don’t be put off by a negative response and, most importantly, don’t feel you have to fill a silence.

Download a reminder of all five SHUSH listening tips. 

Throughout July, Samaritans branches are also holding events throughout the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of the services they offer in their local communities. Visit your local branch website to see what they're doing during Talk To Us.

Further information