One of the most important reasons we’ve partnered with Samaritans for Walk & Talk Week is to give people the opportunity to get moving and get talking about how they’re feeling.
Whether that’s going for a coffee, a walk outdoors or maybe even a quick workout together, it’s essentially all about reaching out and being there for someone.
So, how do you be there for someone? It’s probably much easier than you think:
- Reach out – it’s all too common with our busy lifestyles to let weeks and months pass by without having a meaningful conversation with the people that we care about. Simply taking the time to ask someone ‘do you want to meet up?’ or ‘do you want to go for a walk?’ is the first step for being there for someone.
- Create a safe space for them – regardless of whether a person is struggling, they may find it difficult to share their feelings. By being a supportive presence and simply listening to them, you’re creating a welcoming and safe environment where they can express how they’re feeling if they feel comfortable to do so.
- Listen to them – if someone does open up to you, it’s best to listen and respond to them with open questions and not provide your own advice or opinions. You don’t need to change what they’re going through for them, you just need to be present. To find out more about how to listen, view Samaritans’ SHUSH listening tips here.
- Let them know you’re only a call or text away – a key part of being there for someone is being accessible to them if they ever need anything. Reassure them know that if they ever need to talk to you, you have the time for them.
To find out more about Samaritans and their support, visit www.samaritans.org.