In this episode of Said Your Nan, James, Stu and Steve speak with Richard, a volunteer with the Samaritans, the UK charity providing 24/7 emotional support for people struggling with their mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Many people know the name Samaritans, but few know what actually happens when someone makes that call.

Richard shares his experience of being on the other end of the phone — supporting people through loneliness, crisis, and difficult moments in life. We explore why listening without judgement can be life-changing, why so many people struggle to ask for help, and what it really means to support someone experiencing emotional distress.

This conversation also touches on men’s mental health, the stigma around vulnerability, and why talking openly about how we feel is still one of the hardest — and most important — things we can do.

If you’ve ever wondered whether reaching out for help is the right thing to do, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to go through tough moments alone.

⚠ Content Note

This episode discusses mental health and suicide. If this topic feels difficult for you right now, please listen with care.

Support & Resources

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.

Samaritans (UK & Ireland)

📞 Call: 116 123 (Free, 24 hours a day)

🌐 https://www.samaritans.org

📧 Email: [email protected]

You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out — Samaritans are there to listen.

Guest Mention

Richard also hosts the podcast:

🎧 The Constant Reader

A podcast exploring books, ideas, and the stories of Stephen King 

Said Your Nan

🎙 Hosted by James, Stu & Steve

Honest conversations about life, mental health, masculinity, and the experiences that shape us.

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it — it helps more people discover these conversations.

If you’d like to support Said Your Nan and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here:

☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan

Every bit of support helps us keep these conversations going.

Get Involved

📧 Email: [email protected]

🐦 Twitter/X: @saidyournan

📸 Instagram: @saidyournan

💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend

#MentalHealth

#MensMentalHealth

#SuicidePrevention

#Samaritans

#MentalHealthPodcast