How YOU can make a difference

The National Lottery, ITV and STV have teamed up to help you play a part in your community, just like Monica from Staffordshire Libraries. It’s amazing what can be achieved with just an hour of your time. If you’re looking to make a valuable contribution, there are lots of volunteering opportunities across the UK. Go to for top tips, inspirational stories and volunteering opportunities to make a difference now.

Sophie, 27, from Littlehampton, contacted Samaritans while struggling with depression:

“Last year I went through a dark patch where I couldn’t see a way out from under the black cloud that followed me around everywhere.

“I was ashamed.

I felt weak and helpless so I reached out to Samaritans. I just wanted the pain I was feeling to stop. It was a pretty dark time, and I couldn’t see any way out – I felt overwhelmed with every emotion and yet felt nothing at all.

“I emailed Samaritans to start with, and when things got worse I phoned. Just having someone listen to me in my hour of need was lifesaving.

“I am in a better frame of mind now because I run regularly – I love the buzz that I get. When the endorphins are pumping through your body, you feel unstoppable, and that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. I still get days or periods when I feel low, but I know that it is temporary. During these times I try to be kind to myself, reach out to family and friends for support or take some time out to rest.

“The help I got from Samaritans gave me my life back and I will be forever thankful. I’m training to be a listening volunteer with my local branch, and if I can do for one person what they did for me then I will be over the moon.”