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"I'm always grateful to talk to Samaritans- I think you guys are one of the greatest things in the world." - Quote from a caller
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There are just 17 days until the 18th Annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention! Join us on October 1 at Artisani Park in Brighton, as we
run for those we remember, walk for those we love, and come together to make a difference.
Get to know a 5K team: Peace for Patrick
Peace for Patrick is a new team created in memory of
Patrick Merrick, who was lost to suicide in May of this year after battling depression and anxiety. Patrick was
an amazing and talented young man who loved snowboarding, motorcycles and spending time with
his friends and girlfriend. Members of the team learned about the 5K while attending SafePlace meetings with Samaritans, and registered as soon as they found out they could participate in memory of Patrick.
Family members and friends from Worcester to New York have come together to promote suicide awareness, fundraise and walk in honor of Patrick. As a new team to the 5K, they are utilizing lots of social media to reach as many people as possible.
Join, Form a Team, Donate!!
To support Peace for Patrick or any of our 5K teams or to register for the Samaritans 5K on October 1st, please visit
give.samaritanshope.org
. Or donate via text by sending the message
5for5k to 51055.
Learn more about Samaritans 5K and Dosie's team by watching a short video here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Don't want to Run/Walk? Volunteer!! We are looking for volunteers to assist with the following positions from 7:00am-12:00pm:
- Registration
- Course Management
- Parking
- Raffle/Silent Auction
- Food/Water Distribution
- Family Fun Festival
5K Silent Auction
The Silent Auction for the Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention is now LIVE!! You can check out our great prizes and start bidding. Prizes this year include a safari trip to South Africa, a full week at the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and many more!
Click here to start bidding!
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Grief Support Service Volunteers
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Samaritans' Grief Support Services (GSS) program has the privilege of working with a team of dedicated and compassionate volunteers. Our volunteers understand the tremendous grief that comes with a loss to suicide because they, too, have suffered such a tragic loss. The GSS volunteers believe they are ready to give back to the community and bring with them their experiences as survivors, their processes of grieving, and what was helpful for them to move forward from their loss. They are models for hope and recovery, and help new survivors adjust using healthy healing processes.
But don't take our word for it - here are a few reasons our volunteers decided to join our team:
- "I remember the days and months following [my brother's] death and how desperate we were to have someone to talk to. I would hope that I could maybe bring comfort or understanding to someone in a similar situation."- survivor who lost her brother
- "Having access to other survivors is a powerful way to counter the isolation and loneliness that can follow a suicide-related loss. Each person's experience of loss and grief is unique. However, I believe there is strength and power in the act of assembling with a group of people or meeting one-on-one with an individual who has experienced a similar type of loss. I would very much like to help facilitate that." - survivor who lost her friend
- "I needed so much to talk after his death. There were many people that were there for me, but none that could understand the 'what if's' that I felt deep in my bones. A random woman whose husband died by suicide reached out to me. It actually helped for me to physically see the future of a survivor. I know that might sound a bit weird, but seeing her move about in a day to day routine taking care of her children enabled me to see a future for myself. I would like to be able to be that person to another if one needed that." - survivor who lost her fiancé.
The Grief Support Services program will be holding a three part training series in the months of November and December. If you're interested in learning more about the GSS volunteer experience or joining us for facilitator training, please contact Grief Support Services manager, Emily, at
[email protected]
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Samaritans volunteers provide 100 % coverage on the HelpLine!!!
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Providing the critical support to our callers over the summer months has historically been a challenge at Samaritans - but not this year. Samaritans would like to thank each and every one of the volunteers and interns who took time over the summer to provide 100% coverage - both day and night on the HelpLine during the months of July and August. During these two months, over 13,000 calls and over 700 text messages were answered . We could not have done this without you! Thank you!
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Out and About
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A highlight in August was an outreach at the Woburn Council on Aging. Many topics were discussed, including the kinds of things that seniors struggle with as they get older, the warning signs seniors might display if they're having thoughts of suicide, and how to have a conversation with someone they might be worried about. One woman shared that she was a volunteer with Samaritans back in the 1970's, when Samaritans was first founded in Boston! Seniors have so much insight to share about suicide and depression and we always appreciate an opportunity to talk and listen to them.
We're looking forward to renewing relationships with schools we've been to in the past, and developing relationships with new schools throughout Boston and Metrowest as the new school year begins.
Suicide prevention training is an essential community need. If your school, company or community organization is interested in arranging a training, you can find more information
here, or contact
Lauren.
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'People Can Fly' Benefit Concert
Come and join Samaritans' 5K team, People Can Fly, for a benefit concert in memory of Eddie Lynch. All proceeds from the door will be donated to People Can Flys's 5k
t
eam page.
Event Info:
When: Saturday, September 17th, 9pm to 11pm
Where: Koto Restaurant: 90 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970
For more information click
here.
You Are Not Alone: A Benefit for Hope
Join us for a benefit concert i
n memory of Ashley Frawley, Amber Mace and all those who have been lost to suicide. T
his event will feature 9 bands, including Monkey Knife Fight, who is hosting the event. There will also be a raffle.
Event Info:
When: Saturday, September 17th, 4pm to 11pm
Where: Bent Water Brewing Company: 180 Commercial Street Lynn, MA 01905
For more information click
here.
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Open Positions
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Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member or intern? We are currently accepting applications for:
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