This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re reminding people of the importance of community and connections, especially when people are feeling low or struggling to cope.

So what better way to bring a smile to the faces of friends and family, and to let them know the lengths you’ll go to to support their mental health, than by taking a stand underneath a bucket of ice cold water for the Soaked for Samaritans Ice Bucket Challenge 🧊💧🪣

Just £10 could help ensure a Samaritan is there to answer a life-saving call for help from someone struggling to cope. So get started by setting up your own fundraising page by clicking “Start Fundraising” above, or just make a donation yourself, and get ready to get soaked! Who will you nominate?!

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Set up your fundraiser or make a donation to Samaritans, every single pound raised will help us to let people know they’re not alone in their time of need.

2. Fill a bucket with icy cold water.

3. Get a friend (or foe!) to stand ready with the bucket! Or you can do this yourself.

4. Press record on a video or go live on your social media

5. Tell us why you're taking on this challenge this Mental Health Awareness Week - then nominate 3 people to take on this challenge, too!

6. Tip the bucket over your head!

7. Post the video to social media and tag your nominees! Make sure you tag us @samaritanscharity or #TeamSamaritans, too, so we can see your soaking! Oh, and don’t forget to include a link to donate to your Samaritans fundraiser in the comments section or the messages to those you’ve nominated!

Many people find it hard to speak openly or ask for help, but talking can be life-saving – whether it's with a colleague, family member, friend or helpline like Samaritans. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help. Samaritans are available, for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to listen and support people with whatever they are facing, with no judgement. It’s only your kind donations and 23,000 listening volunteers that ensure Samaritans can always be there for anyone struggling to cope. Thank you for your help.