Light up the Longest Night!
This year, Saturday, December 21st, will be the longest night of the year, with the sun due to set around 4 p.m. In partnership with the Samaritans, Staffordshire County Council is using this day to promote the message that the Samaritans are always there to listen during the long winter nights, even during Christmas and New Year.
How are they doing this?
Several County Council buildings such as the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford, will be lit up green and they are inviting individuals, organisations and businesses to join them by putting up a light in their window.
We at Burton and District Mind got involved last year, and plan to do the same again!
Last year, Samaritans Volunteers responded to 1000s of calls across the UK and Ireland over the festive period. To ensure no one is left struggling alone this year they will have volunteers around the clock so there is always someone for people to turn to.
How can you get involved?
You can pick up your very own FREE poster and FREE green LED tealight from your local Library from the 2nd of December. If you are unable to go down to your local Library to get a poster, you can print it from here
Once you have your light…
You will just need to display it in the window between the 16-21st December 2024. (Please stay safe and only use LED lights. The LED light provided contains a button battery which could harm a child or pet if swallowed. Please keep out of reach.)
Then on the 21st of December, you can post your Green Light Photo
If you use social media such as Facebook, Instagram or X, you can spread the word by posting a picture of your LED light with the following caption…
““Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone, even from a mobile without credit. Call 116 123."
Please help spread the word as far as possible by also tagging Staffordshire County Council and even using the #Lightupthenight hashtag!
If you’d like to find more information about this campaign you can find more information here -> https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Community/Longest-night-campaign.aspx
Our Office will be closed over the Christmas period, however here is some information regarding the available support…
Mind: Emergency Advice at Christmas - www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/getting-help-in-a-crisis/
Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline - 0808 800 2234 Open 2:00pm-2:00am every day of the year.
YMCA Burton & District – Reconnect Centre open over Christmas period (opposite ASDA island) - 01283 538802
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK-wide) Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK-wide)
Burton and District Mind wish you a wonderful and peaceful Christmas!