What is Stress Down Day? 

It's a day when Samaritans tries to raise as much money as possible to enable us to continue to help people in need of emotional support, no matter what the size of their problems.

Samaritans is contacted every six seconds by people in need of emotional support. But to maintain our 24-hour helpline we need to raise more than £10m a year.

It’s a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the effects of stress in the workplace and encourages people to take better care of their emotional well-being.

Download the Stress Down Day pack for more information

Taking part

To show your support, all you have to do is wear your slippers to work or take part in a stress-down activity in return for a donation to Samaritans.

Ideas for stress-reducing activities for your company:

• Stress-free zone: dedicate one room in the office to chill out in with relaxing music and scented candles and charge £2 for 20 minutes.
• Confess the stress: set up a postbox where people can drop off their secret stress confessions – charging £2 per confession.
• Soothing smoothies: get closer to your 5-a-day by selling smoothies for £2. Why not create your own? Buy in a selection of unusual fruit and veg and run a competition for the most unique tasting new flavour of smoothie!
• Massage: arrange for 10-minute massages for staff – it’s the ultimate Stress Down Day treat!

Download the Stress Down Day pack for more ideas and information