It aims to remind residents in Dumfries and Galloway that they don’t need to struggle alone.
And it is encouraging people to open up about their struggles with mental health and suicidal feelings.
Ann Stephenson, volunteer branch director at Dumfries Samaritans, this week said: “This time of year can be challenging for all sorts of reasons.
“But we understand that difficult feelings can be felt at any season, which is why our free 116 123 national helpline is available day and night, 365 days a year to give people the space to explore feelings that perhaps they cannot share with anyone else.”
Ian, 57 knows how the pressure to enjoy the festivities can make it hard to open up. It was during a challenging period of his life when he was struggling with anxiety attacks, he found himself alone on Christmas Eve. Samaritans was there to support him as he reached breaking point.
Ian said: “Christmas is such an emotive time, families are together, but there I was on the sofa on my own, having panic attacks and thoughts about suicide. I didn’t feel I could even talk to my partner, but I needed someone who I didn’t know to just sit there and let me be vulnerable. At that point, Samaritans was there.
“The great thing I found when talking to Samaritans is that there is no judgement. To have an incredibly empathic listening ear that allows you to say whatever you want and take as long as you want, is quite a remarkable thing.”
Last year, Samaritans volunteers responded to 244,254 calls in the UK and Ireland over the festive period.
Visit samaritans.org/silence for more information.
