Reasons to Stay is a compassionate, community-driven suicide prevention initiative designed to reach people in their most difficult moments with anonymous, heartfelt letters from real people who care.
At its core, Reasons to Stay acknowledges something simple but powerful: when life feels unbearable, a message of warmth, understanding, and connection can make all the difference. Each time someone visits the site, they receive a letter at random — a real message written by a volunteer who has chosen to share encouragement, empathy, or hope. These letters are not automated or generic; they come from people who have felt pain, struggle, and doubt themselves, and who want to offer support to others who may be feeling alone.
The project exists to remind visitors that they are not alone, even in moments when isolation and despair seem overwhelming. The letters act as gentle reminders of human connection and shared experience — that someone, somewhere, has taken time to reach out simply because they care.
One of the unique features of Reasons to Stay is that anyone can write a letter to support others. These messages are reviewed by a dedicated team of volunteer clinical moderators, all with professional experience supporting people in distress, to ensure that every letter shared on the site is safe, sensitive, and helpful for someone struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The project was created in memory of Sam West, who died by suicide in 2018. His legacy inspires this space of hope — a platform that transforms personal pain into compassion for others.
Since its inception, Reasons to Stay has delivered hundreds of thousands of letters to visitors around the world. A significant share of people who read those letters report feeling “much better,” illustrating just how impactful a simple message of care can be in moments of crisis.
While the website itself does not replace mental health care or immediate crisis support, it encourages people to reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional services if they are struggling. For visitors experiencing immediate danger or intense distress, Reasons to Stay also provides links to crisis lines and support resources in the UK and internationally.
In an era where so many people grapple with loneliness, emotional pain, and mental health challenges, Reasons to Stay stands as a simple yet powerful reminder: your life matters, and there are people who care enough to write a letter just for you.
