Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2026

Monthly News - July 2026

Samaritans Awareness Day

Content warning: Mention of suicide

Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity which started as one branch offering a helpline for people considering suicide and struggling to cope. Now the charity has over 200 branches across UK and Ireland, with over 20,000 volunteers ready to listen and help.

The helpline operates 24 hours each day, every day of the year and receives a call every 10 seconds. Samaritans are there to listen without judgement or pressure, for everyone who needs them.

In addition to answering calls, the Samaritans also actively campaign for safer societies, leading to impact such as the UK Online Safety Act. The charity also provide training for schools and workplaces, and work with organisations, such as Network Rail, to reduce the incidents of suicide and help create wider supportive practices. They also provide guidance through their website for individuals supporting someone with suicidal thoughts.

On Samaritans Awareness Day, you can help spread the message about their work and the importance of safer conversations about suicide via social media posts on the day, or taking on one of their suggested fundraising challenges, to help them reach more people and continue their valuable work.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen day or night. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.

What this Day means to me

I first became aware of Samaritans when I was about 15 years old and my mum told me that she had volunteered with them. After graduating from university, I decided that I too wanted to volunteer. I applied, was successful at a selection event, and then completed the training to become a listening volunteer.

During the 9 years that I volunteered with Samaritans I spoke with people of all ages and backgrounds, helping to provide that non-judgemental space where people can talk openly about whatever they are going through, including any suicidal thoughts and feelings. Whilst it could be challenging at times I came away from each shift with a strong sense of having made a difference. In addition to being a listening volunteer I joined the recruitment team, helping to recruit and train new volunteers.

In my current role as Student Wellbeing Advisor I often recommend Samaritans to students who may benefit from having space to talk to someone non-judgementally, particularly outside of university support hours.

To me Samaritans Awareness Day is a reminder of the importance of reaching out, listening, and letting people know they do not have to face difficult times alone.

Ruth, Student Wellbeing Advisor

2026 calendar

Our EDI calendar can help create an inclusive work and study environment, it can also inspire students, staff and visitors to take part in key celebrations and/or remembrance events.

The calendar highlights faith days observed or celebrated, key diversity days, awareness raising dates and public holidays.

It also focuses on the six main religions as identified in the Census of England and Wales; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, All other religions and beliefs not included on the calendar are equally as valued and considered across our work.

Please note: The dates in the calendar were correct at the time of publication in April 2026.

To provide feedback on the calendar, please contact [email protected]