Posted on Monday 16th December 2024
Lucy Quick, Student Health and Wellbeing Promotions Co-ordinator at Keele University
Keele University is the latest in a long line of businesses and organisations planning to light up their windows green on Saturday 21 December, the longest night of the year.
The ‘Light up the longest night’ campaign aims to remind everyone going through a hard time that the Samaritans are there for them 24/7, 365 days a year and even over the Christmas period.
The university is taking part to help spread the message that its normal to find the festive season particularly tough but there is always someone to speak to.
Lucy Quick, Student Health and Wellbeing Promotions Co-ordinator at Keele University, said:
“We are really pleased to take part in this year’s light up the longest night campaign. While many of our students go home during the Christmas break, many don’t for a number of reasons, and it can be a tough time.
“Our university is committed to student wellbeing, so we’re taking part in the campaign to remind them and our wider community that support really is just a call away. Talking really does help.”
Councillor Ann Edgeller, Staffordshire County Council’s Mental Health Champion, said:
“The festive season can be a particularly difficult time for students living away from home.
“I am delighted that the university is joining the campaign to show that there is light, even on the darkest of days. This is a really powerful gesture by the university.”
Councillor Paul Northcott, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Keele University is an anchor organisation in Staffordshire with community wide impact, so I’m delighted that they will be lighting up windows and sharing messages on social media to spread the word.
“We hope that this encourages more organisations to do the same. Big or small, all business and organisations can save lives by taking part.”
Local Samaritans volunteer, Damon Preece, added:
“Last year, the Samaritans answered more than 6,700 calls on Christmas Day and just under 250,000 throughout December.
“It shows just how normal it is for people to need help at this time of the year, and how we are always there 24/7. I am really grateful that organisations across the county are really showing their support.”
Keele University joins a number of organisations already signed up to light up their buildings or windows on the 21 December, some include:
- Wincanton Screwfix Distribution Centre
- University of Staffordshire
- Staffordshire History Centre
- Staffordshire Family Hubs
- Staffordshire Libraries
- Rising Brook Community Church
- Elevate Community Centre
- Stafford Methodist Church Circuit
People who want to support the light up the longest night campaign can find out more on the campaign webpage.
Anyone feeling lonely or facing difficulties can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even from a mobile without credit, and the number won’t show up on their phone bill.
People can learn the skills to save a life from suicide with the fully-funded suicide awareness and prevention training on the Doing Our Bit website.