The Power of Words exhibition

When it comes to saving a life, your words are a life-saving kit.

Samaritans’ Power of Words art exhibition is a series of portraits of our Small Talk Saves Lives campaign storytellers Don, Gary and Claire who all used the power of words to save a life. The portraits were created by artist Chris Bishop.

The Words You Carry  

A Small Talk Saves Lives poem by Hussain Manawer

The words you carry to not only lighten my load

They make me feel seen

They make me feel heard

And enlighten my soul

If your spirit is telling you someone is not feeling alright

Trust your gut, and follow your instinct

Energy doesn't lie, it’s better to step in and to not overthink things

Small talk really does save lives

Many times, there’s been many times

Words and phrases like, “We’re going to get through this together”,

“Hey did you hear me?”, “You’ll be alright”

Have given me the space to process and the tools I need to get me through the fight

I know times it feels like you don’t wanna be here

Feeling scared, and you can’t see clear

But I'm here, just like the best cab ride

I don’t wanna learn that you feel it’s too hard and that you wanna die

It sends tingles down my spine

Which is why I stand before you tonight

So let's start here, me and you alright

We’re not going silence take our space

Because what? Small talk really does save lives

I’ll give you my shoulder

I’ll give you my hand

I’ll give you all the energy I can from my eyes

To let you know, you got this,

Healing is a process we can’t fast forward or make too quick

And your words are a life-saving kit

Because small talk really does save lives

About the poet

Acclaimed poet, writer, actor, and activist, Hussain Manawer has supported Samaritans for many years as part of his mental health campaigning work. Growing up in East London, he found his passion for poetry at 15, using words to explore grief, hope, and human connection. His debut collection, Life Is Sad And Beautiful, became a Sunday Times bestseller and is now part of the UK’s school curriculum. He has shared stages with Bon Iver, worked with Oprah and Prince Harry, and even set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest mental health lesson.