Staffordshire Turns Green to Support Samaritans on the Year’s Longest Night

This December, landmarks across Staffordshire will be bathed in green light to mark the Winter Solstice, as part of the Samaritans’ annual "Longest Night" awareness campaign.

Taking place on Sunday, 21st December, the campaign uses the longest night of the year to symbolise the "darkest hours" that many people face when struggling with their mental health. The initiative aims to remind residents that they are not alone and that the Samaritans are available 24/7 to provide support.

Lighting Up Stafford Local authorities and businesses are joining forces to show their support. In Stafford, key buildings are set to illuminate in the charity's signature green colour to raise awareness. Residents can expect to see the Shire Hall in the Market Square lit up in solidarity, other County Council buildings may also be lit up.

The campaign, supported by Staffordshire County Council, encourages other local businesses to join in by lighting their own premises green or encouraging staff to wear green for the day. From Wednesday 10th December, you may be able to pick up a poster and green tealight from your local library

What Do Samaritans Do? The Samaritans provide a vital lifeline for anyone in distress. While they are well-known for their work in suicide prevention, they offer support for a wide range of issues. They provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to talk about whatever is troubling them, from financial worries and relationship breakdown to loneliness and mental health struggles.

Their volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that even on the longest night of the year, there is always someone there to listen.

How You Can Get Involved There are several ways for Staffordshire residents and businesses to support the campaign:

• Turn it Green: Businesses can light their buildings green or decorate their windows.

• Display a LED tealight or poster: Residents are invited to place a green tealight or the poster in their window from Monday 15th December.

• Donate: Funds are crucial to keeping the phone lines open. Donations can be made directly via the Samaritans website.

Post Your Green Light Photo: December 21, 2025 (The Longest Night)

On December 21, 2025, post a photo of your light on Facebook, X, or Instagram with the following message:

“Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone, even from a mobile without credit. Call 116 123."

Please help to spread the word as far as possible by tagging Staffordshire County Council and using the hashtag #LightUpTheNight, or email your pictures to stuart.moyes@Staffordshire.gov.uk.

Volunteering in Stafford The Stafford branch of Samaritans, based on Garden Street, is run entirely by volunteers. These are ordinary people from the local community who are trained to listen. They do not offer advice or judge; they simply provide a human connection for those who need it most.

The branch is always looking for new volunteers to ensure they can continue to answer calls. Comprehensive training is provided, and volunteers are supported by a mentor. For those who may not want to answer phones, there are also support roles available in fundraising, IT, and administration.

Anyone who is struggling can contact Samaritans for free, any time, from any phone on 116 123.