Hey Sam

If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, depressed, overwhelmed, or having thoughts of suicide, we are here for you.

Hey Sam is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old.

  • Designed for and staffed by young people
  • Free and confidential
  • Nonjudgmental

Whatever the reason, reach out. You are not alone.

Text: 439-726 | Hours: 9AM-12AM (Midnight) ET

Text Now

Our Impact

Since the launch of Hey Sam in March 2022:

4,288

young people have used Hey Sam

90

young people engaged as peer-to-peer text support

over 7,072

text conversations have been received

How it Works

  1. Text Hey Sam at 439-726 when you want to talk.
  2. You will get an automated response right away while we connect you with one of our trained team members.
  3. We will ask for your name and why you are reaching out, but only share what you are comfortable sharing.
  4. Our team member will listen to you. We will not give advice or try to “fix” anything. We simply want to support you in whatever you are experiencing.

Become a Hey Sam Volunteer

You can be the caring listener when someone texts Hey Sam. Volunteers:

  • Must be 15 to 24 years old
  • Complete a thorough online training program
  • Able to work a consistent 4-hour shift every week
  • Can work from anywhere in the world

Fill out the volunteer inquiry form.

Hey Sam Advisory Board

Hey Sam is more than just a youth-focused program, it’s youth-powered. The members of the Hey Sam Advisory Board help to inform Hey Sam’s operations and outreach, ensuring the program aligns with the needs and experiences of their peers.

Katie

I’ve gained a lot of experience with the sides of Hey Sam beyond just the text line, including working with other Advisory Board and Outreach Team members to put our mission and goals into writing, and to figure out how to best get the word out about Hey Sam.

Brooklyn

In my different roles with Hey Sam I have gained a great sense of community and I have loved connecting with everyone because we all have very similar values. Working with trainees when they are first starting out and watching them grow has been really rewarding because we have a great group of individuals who care so much about what we are doing. 

Stephen

I learned to brainstorm, vocalize ideas, collaborate with other passionate volunteers, and produce common objectives in the form of vision mission statement for Hey Sam program

Veronica

I have gained vital experience and knowledge on how Hey Sam runs and have been able to influence more of the decisions surrounding a program I appreciate so much. Through volunteering, I have gained and developed priceless expertise and knowledge, like listening skills, empathy, communication, and more.

Erin

I’ve loved these roles as I am able to get to know our lovely new volunteers and gain greater insights into the work that has to be done to provide and support the Hey Sam platform.

Isabelle

I’ve gotten to see some of the planning and thought process going into the Hey Sam program. I’ve also collaborated with other board members, and it’s been really cool hearing about their perspectives and experiences.

Caiden

Through these roles, I’ve been able to work with people who are just as passionate as I am to make the program the best it can be.

Asmaa

This opportunity has provided me with valuable insights into organizing virtual events, fostering engagement with the volunteers, and giving suggestions to improve Hey Sam. It is a hands-on experience that has allowed me to contribute to the holistic improvement of the Hey Sam text line initiatives.

Connect with Hey Sam on Instagram

TERMS OF SERVICE

By texting short code 439-726 you will be connected to a support line chat. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. If you no longer wish to receive messages from Hey Sam, you may opt out at any time by texting the word STOP. You may opt back in by texting the services again. You may reply HELP for help. While Hey Sam operates from 9am to 12am Midnight ET, Samaritans Helpline is available 24/7 by phone or text at 988 and is available to anyone of any age. You may contact Hey Sam by email at heysam@samaritanshope.org with questions about these Terms.  Privacy Policy