Every year on 24 July, Samaritans Awareness Day shines a light on a simple but powerful message: support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The date itself – 24/7 – reflects the Samaritans’ commitment to being there for anyone who needs someone to listen, whatever the time of day or night.
It is a reminder that none of us should have to face life’s challenges alone.
At Jonathan’s Voice, this message resonates strongly with our own mission to improve mental health and wellbeing, particularly within the intellectual property profession and associated sectors. We know that while many people appear to be coping on the surface, they may be carrying significant pressures that others cannot see.
In professional environments, conversations often focus on workloads, deadlines and achievements. Yet sometimes the most important question we can ask a colleague, friend or family member is simply:
“How are you?”
And then take the time to listen to the answer.
The Importance of Connection
Human beings are social creatures. Research consistently shows that social connection plays an important role in protecting mental wellbeing, reducing feelings of isolation and helping people navigate difficult times.
Yet many people find it hard to talk openly about their struggles.
They may worry about burdening others. They may fear being judged. They may believe they should be able to cope on their own.
This is why creating opportunities for conversation matters.
We do not need to be counsellors or mental health experts to make a difference. Often, simply listening without judgement, showing kindness and demonstrating genuine concern can have a meaningful impact.
Sometimes knowing that someone is willing to listen can be enough to help a person take the next step towards getting support.
Looking Beyond the Surface
In professions such as intellectual property, where attention to detail, client service, analytical thinking and complex problem-solving are everyday requirements, it can be particularly easy for people to prioritise work performance over personal wellbeing.
People become skilled at appearing capable.
They meet deadlines.
They attend meetings.
They continue delivering high-quality work.
But appearances do not always tell the whole story.
Samaritans Awareness Day encourages us to look beyond assumptions and recognise that anyone can experience difficulties with their mental health, regardless of their role, seniority or apparent success.
A supportive workplace is one where people feel able to speak honestly about challenges and where seeking support is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.
Recognising When Someone May Need Support
One of the reasons awareness days such as Samaritans Awareness Day are so important is that they encourage us to pay attention to those around us.
Often, people experiencing emotional distress do not openly tell others they are struggling. Instead, changes may be noticed in their behaviour, mood or interactions with colleagues, friends and family.
These signs can vary from person to person, but may include:
- Becoming withdrawn or unusually quiet.
- Appearing persistently overwhelmed, anxious or low in mood.
- Changes in sleep patterns or energy levels.
- Increased irritability or difficulty concentrating.
- Loss of interest in activities they would normally enjoy.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or believing they are a burden to others.
These signs do not necessarily mean someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. However, they may indicate that a person could benefit from support and a compassionate conversation.
We do not need to be experts to notice when something seems different.
Sometimes a simple “How are you?” can open the door to a conversation that someone has been waiting to have.
Small Actions Matter
Many of us underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness.
Checking in with a colleague.
Making time for a conversation.
Asking how someone is really doing.
Offering support without trying to solve every problem.
These actions may seem insignificant, but they help create cultures where people feel valued, connected and supported.
This is particularly important within professional environments. Whether in a patent attorney firm, trade mark practice, in-house IP team or another professional setting, the culture we create influences how comfortable people feel speaking about their wellbeing.
Mental health is not only about responding when someone is in crisis. It is also about building environments where people feel able to talk before challenges become overwhelming.
How You Can Mark Samaritans Awareness Day
This 24 July, consider taking a few moments to:
- Check in with someone you have not spoken to for a while.
- Ask a colleague how they are doing and take time to listen.
- Learn more about the signs that someone may be experiencing emotional distress and how to respond with empathy and support.
- Reflect on your own wellbeing and whether you need support.
- Learn more about the support available through organisations such as Samaritans.
- Encourage open conversations about mental health within your workplace or community.
These simple actions can help reduce stigma, strengthen connections and remind people that they do not have to face difficulties alone.
Being There
At Jonathan’s Voice, we believe that mentally healthy workplaces and communities are built through understanding, compassion and conversation.
Through our work with professional institutions, individual firms, CIPA, CITMA and IP Inclusive, we seek to encourage cultures where people feel supported, valued and able to thrive. We are also pleased to respond to invitations from community groups to talk about mental health and wellbeing, helping to increase awareness and understanding beyond the workplace.
Samaritans Awareness Day reminds us that support does not always begin with finding the perfect words.
Sometimes it begins with being willing to listen.
This 24 July, let’s take the opportunity to reach out, check in and remind those around us that help is available and that nobody needs to struggle alone.
Jonathan’s Voice is a charity and we need your support to continue to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. . Everything we offer is free at the point of delivery but we rely on donations and fundraising to continue supporting individuals, workplaces and communities. If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation, taking part in one of our fundraising activities or helping us raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Together, we can help create environments where everyone feels heard, supported and able to thrive[GF2] .
Thank you to Gemma Fieldsend for this powerful blog. “People become skilled at appearing capable” certainly stuck a chord with me.
Val McCartney
Co-founder and trustee, Jonathan’s Voice
