Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, and for googling my link if you have come here through seeing my posters/collection charity box!

My name is Leanne Johns, and I am dressing in fancy dress (mainly from fairytales, princesses and fairies etc) at various different locations in the hope of raising money for a local Samaritans branch. In 2018, the Kingston Branch received over 33,500 contacts. Without support and donations, Samaritans would not have been able to provide these people with the help that they needed. Consequently, i feel compelled to do as much as I can for Samaritans, and would be extremely grateful if others would be willing to support the cause also. 

Among the general population, 20.6% of people have had suicidal thoughts at some time, 6.7% have attempted suicide and 7.3% have engaged in self-harm. The UK has one of the highest self-harm rates in Europe. In 2017, there were 5,487 suicides in Great Britain, meaning more than 15 people per day took their life. It is estimated that 10-25x that number attempted suicide. Suicide is the most common cause of death for those aged 10-34. In the UK & Republic of Ireland, there were 6,859 suicides in 2018. Deaths by suicide rose by 11.8% in the UK in 2018. 51.6% of people aged 16-34 who are suicidal don't seek support.... Therefore, there has never been a more important time for people to be open and honest about how they feel and seek help when they may be struggling. Speaking to Samaritans can be the first step in receiving help, as people are able to disclose what’s on their mind anonymously, to someone who guarantees confidentiality and 0 judgement. 

I know from personal experience just how important services like Samaritans are. I started self-harming in Primary School, around the age of 9. This was an ongoing struggle throughout my education, from Primary School to University. My BDD made this issue even more unbearable, and vice versa. There reached a point where I felt I would never be happy, I was a burden to everyone around me, and that I needed a way to properly escape. In this moment, I had decided I was worthless, and better off not being here for everyone else’s sake. At this point I was approaching my A-levels, and had gone from A’s to U’s in my most recent mock exams (Sorry Mrs.Enright!😅), from constant turmoil of not knowing what to do. I felt as though I couldn’t talk to teachers, friends or family because I was paranoid about becoming even more of a burden. One day, I was walking alone from Holy Cross to Richard Challoner to get to my next lesson, when I decided to try calling Samaritans. Albeit, reluctantly and anxiously. Seeking help can be a daunting, and often times exposing, experience but often what may fill you with fear short-term can be a true godsend long-term. Not only did I walk away from the phone conversation feeling as though my mind was finally starting to clear and a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, but I realised the value and importance of being open and honest about your feelings not only to others, but to yourself. 

I hope that in time... slowly but surely... the stigma around mental health and asking for help/assistance will be demolished, that people will feel able to openly discuss and seek help when they are feeling overwhelmed and/or unable to cope in order to prevent suicide and self-harm, and I strongly believe Samaritans are a charity which advocates this! 

Thank you so much for reading, and any donations will be greatly appreciated! 

Many Thanks,

Leanne Johns x

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