July 19 marked the start of the “Talk To Us – Samaritans” campaign, a month-long initiative designed to raise awareness of men’s mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage emotional openness. Organized by the UK-based Samaritans charity, the campaign emphasizes the simple yet powerful act of speaking and listening—offering confidential, non-judgmental support around the clock.
While the campaign runs throughout July, July 19 is significant as the kickoff of increased outreach efforts. This includes a host of activities, community events, and social media drives to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing. Crucial to its strategy are “The Big Listen” events on July 24—true to the helpline’s 24/7 availability—where Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland host workshops, Q&A panels with mental health experts, and open sharing sessions.
The “Talk To Us” campaign traces its roots back to 2016. Developed by Samaritans to foster a culture of openness, it underscores the healing power of genuine listening and reaches both potential callers and everyday listeners in friends, families, and workplaces. Over time, it has grown in scope and impact, now encouraging organizations and individuals to adopt better listening habits that can alleviate loneliness, anxiety, and isolation.
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Men’s mental health has been a growing concern in recent years, driven by stark statistics. In the UK, for example, men account for around 75% of suicides despite representing roughly half the population. Contributing factors such as traditional masculine norms—discouraging emotional expression—continue to impede help-seeking behavior.
To address this, Samaritans introduces initiatives like “Real People, Real Stories,” targeting rural men who face both geographical and cultural barriers. The effort shares candid testimonies, such as Michael’s reflection: “I think speaking to men, especially in rural community, it’s probably the only, only way that blokes like me will actually talk. Knowing the Samaritans are there, that’s your first step.” By spotlighting individual stories, the campaign dismantles stereotypes and underscores that emotions and vulnerabilities are human, not gender-specific.
The campaign promotes several practical listening techniques—like empathetic engagement, non-judgmental questioning, and offering undivided attention—as accessible tools anyone can adopt. Samaritans stresses that effective listening doesn’t require professional training; it simply requires genuine presence and empathy.
Workplaces are being urged to include mental health in employee wellbeing programmes. According to Samaritans, environments where speaking about mental health is normalized show reduced absenteeism and higher employee engagement. During “Talk To Us Month,” businesses are encouraged to host listening sessions or integrate mental health resources into their communications.
Analysts have observed that the ongoing proliferation of campaigns like “Talk To Us,” Andy’s Man Club, and international efforts such as Canada’s HeadsUpGuys and the U.S. “Man Therapy” are collectively reducing stigma. These efforts harness real-life narratives, humor, and peer-based support models to reshape traditional notions of masculinity and promote emotional openness.
For instance, Andy’s Man Club—a grassroots peer support group—has grown to over 240 locations in the UK, recently reporting attendance by more than 5,700 men in 2025 alone. Meanwhile, HeadsUpGuys, launched in Canada in 2015, has garnered over five million visits and half a million depression screenings by 2025. In the U.S., the Montana-born “Man Therapy” campaign uses a witty persona to destigmatize mental health care among working-age men, demonstrating clear evidence of reduced suicidal ideation and increased help-seeking.
These complementary efforts create a reinforcing cycle: national visibility normalizes vulnerability, while grassroots peer support offers accessible, immediate community-based help.
The “Talk To Us” campaign encourages participation at all levels. Individuals can call or email Samaritans for confidential, 24/7 support. Others may choose to share personal stories on social media using #TalkToUs or #WeListen, helping to normalize open emotional dialogue. Many are expected to join listening events—especially The Big Listen on July 24—or even undergo volunteer training to become a local listener. Employers can also implement mental-health initiatives in workplaces, like dedicated check-in sessions, workshops, or awareness resource kits.
The rising trend of male-focused mental health campaigns signals a broader shift in public consciousness. Mental health experts believe sustained dialogue and personalized approaches are vital for long-term change. As masculinity narratives evolve, campaigns like “Talk To Us” serve as essential platforms for encouraging men to connect, express emotions, and access support without judgment.
With July continuing until the 31st, the “Talk To Us” campaign remains in full swing. Its blend of storytelling, communal support, and practical listening training contributes to a growing societal ecosystem that places mental health at the center—regardless of gender.
