Talk to Us Month: A Better Listener & Listening Tips

 

Courtesy Image by Samaritans

July 24^th marks Samaritans Awareness Day, a dedicated occasion focused on suicide prevention and promoting mental health. The day encourages everyone to look after their own well-being and to offer emotional support to those in need. It is a time to raise awareness and remind us of the importance of listening and being present for others. You can bring attention to Samaritans Awareness Day by making a pledge to be a better listener and sharing this commitment on your social media platforms. Another meaningful action is to provide information about the Samaritans Helpline or other local helplines that offer suicide prevention and mental health support. 

Download pledge images for Samaritans Awareness Day and share it with the hashtag, # We Listen. Take a break at work and participate in a listening group session with employees. However, if you are in college, you can do active listening activities or participate in a group conversation. Additionally include coloring pages, posters, and other activities to bring awareness of listening better in conversations. Finally, ensure everyone is relaxed and ready to practice active listening with eye contact. 

Additionally, taking the opportunity to enjoy tea, coffee, or a non-alcoholic beverage with someone and having a genuine conversation can be a powerful way to support them by listening. To improve your listening skills, practice maintaining eye contact, even if it feels challenging. Eye contact signals to the speaker that you are attentive and engaged. Avoid interrupting and allow for silent pauses to demonstrate your willingness to listen. Ask thoughtful questions, but be mindful not to show excessive curiosity, as this can make others uncomfortable. 

Pay attention to your body language and strive to create a safe environment by using a comforting tone of voice. It is important to avoid excessive eye contact, as this may cause others to feel intimidated, become self-conscious, or experience nervousness. Demonstrate that you are paying attention by engaging with them. You can do this by asking them questions, nodding in response, smiling, or verbally confirming that you are listening. These habits help foster trust, make the person feel supported, and understood.  

Be cautious not to repeat yourself too much, since too much repetition can make the other person uncomfortable. Limit distractions during your interactions to ensure that the conversation remains focused and meaningful. After your conversation, check in with them again during a future discussion or when you see them next time to see how they are feeling. Another tip is to paraphrase what they are saying and to find a balance between questions and have an open mind with various perspectives. Summarize what you understood from their conversations and do give them encouragement with positivity to help them learn from their experiences. 

Do not give them advice. Another suggestion is to never make comparisons of your experiences to their situations. Also, help them relax before having a conversation and ensure you are prepared to have a conversation in privacy. Learn the warning signs for suicide prevention and listen carefully to what they say. If you see them distance themselves excessively from you and others; Do have a conversation with them. 

Connecting with them about their fears, struggles, or other worries can help them speak to you and with a therapist. Stay with them if they look frightened and not wanting to stay alone. Nonetheless, stay with them if they demonstrate warning signs. Make them feel safe, heard, and seek professional help if they are being bullied, withdrawn, angry, or other concerns. Here are more resources about Talk to Us Month, information from Samaritans, and to improve your listening skills. 

Samaritans-Every Life Lost to Suicide is a Tragedy-Here to Listen:

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

CWU: LTB 189/26-" Talk to Us" Month-July 2026:

CWU: LTB 189/26 – “Talk to Us” Month – July 2026

10 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Active Listening Skills-Psychology Today:

10 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Active Listening Skills | Psychology Today

998 Lifeline:

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

* Courtesy Pledge Image for Social Media by Samaritans

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