What happens when you call Samaritans?

In this podcast, Mick Coyle was exclusively invited to go behind the scenes of a night shift to learn how volunteers take calls 24/7, 365 days a year.

He meets the volunteers who give up their time in the dead of night, and hears from those who've called the service when they needed it most - regardless of the time.

Thank you to the Leeds branch for their time and support in making this episode possible.

Mick wants to make it 100% clear that calls to Samaritans are anonymous and no callers were listed to as part of the making of this documentary.

You can call Samaritans on 116 123.

Written and Recorded by Mick Coyle.

Sound mix by James Stodd for Bauer Media Audio

Mick Coyle has a freebie for you that could change your life.

This week he's joining up with CALM to talk about their new scientifically-backed app that's designed to give you help, advice and support through your smartphone.

CEO Simon Gunning tells Mick why the latest data tells us why its needed and how the UK's expected to spend BIG on mental health apps in 2026.

Find out more about the CALMzone app.

Read more about the CALMzone app.

Follow Mick Coyle on Linkedin - or track him down on the other major social media feeds

TOPICS: Where to look for mental health support, which apps should I trust, free mental health apps, should I trust an AI chatbot when it comes to mental health? How much should I pay for mental health apps? Stress, anxiety, depression support

Emma Rushton was enjoying a holiday in Berlin's Christmas markets when terrorists struck.

12 people were killed when a lorry ploughed through a packed city centre in December 2016.

Despite the trauma she'd witnessed in the market, Emma's experience as a journalist meant she was invited to speak to media from around the world as an eye-witness.

Her training meant she could set out the facts clearly and concisely, and TV companies were keen to hear her testimony.

But the reaction online opened her eyes to the world of internet trolls.

The abuse was appalling - aimed at someone who had just survived a terrorist incident.

Almost a decade on Emma is sharing her story to let people know what being trolled feels like, and how she's using her skills and experience to help others with a new programme on tackling social media during a crisisThis conversation features details of a terrorist incident, and includes details of troll comments that some people might find upsetting.

Host Mick Coyle is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and producer. You can contact him on the usual social media channels and LinkedIn

Signposting services are named at the end of the episode.

Topics: Terror, news, Berlin, trolls, comment sections, PR, tackling hate online, lived experience, surviving a terror attack, guilt, fear, therapy.