Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer to your question, please contact the team at dawnwalk@samaritans.org.
Getting started
What is Dawn Walk?
Dawn Walk is a 5km sunrise walk, for anyone who wants to fundraise for Samaritans and help save lives.
When is Dawn Walk?
Dawn Walk takes place over World Mental Health Day from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026. But if you can’t take part over that weekend, you can walk any other day in October.
What time is Dawn Walk?
Please check the sunrise time in your area, as it varies across the UK. You can start and finish your walk wherever and whenever you like, depending on your speed and distance.
Can I walk in memory of someone?
Absolutely – Dawn Walk is a really special way to do something in memory of a loved one.
You can personalise your fundraising page to help tell your story or share your experience, if you’re comfortable doing so. You can also personalise your Dawn Walk back sign, which can be purchased via our online shop.
It’s entirely up to you how you take part in memory of someone, but if you’d like any guidance, please contact us at dawnwalk@samaritans.org.
Is there a registration deadline?
We’d encourage you to register before 2 October to ensure you get your t-shirt in time for your walk! However, registrations will remain open until 9 October.
Is there a registration fee?
Nope – it’s free to sign up and take part. However, you can help us cover our costs by kickstarting your fundraising with a personal donation. Simply register by clicking ‘Sign up’ to set up your JustGiving page.
Can I take part as a team?
Absolutely! When you sign up for Dawn Walk, you will be prompted to either set up a new team or join an existing ones. Simply follow the on-screen instructions for both.
Fundraising
Is there a fundraising target?
There’s no fixed target but we’d suggest £200 to help fund our life saving services. You can aim higher though if you want to make an even bigger difference for those at crisis.
Can I sign up to Dawn Walk to fundraise for my local branch of Samaritans?
There are a select number of Samaritans branches who have opted in to Dawn Walk. If your local branch is listed on the registration form, you’re able to fundraise for them.
If they aren’t listed or if a branch isn’t selected, all fundraising will go to Central Samaritans and will go towards ensuring our lifesaving services remain available to everyone. 24/7, 365 days a year.
How can I access/edit my JustGiving fundraising page?
You can log into your JustGiving account and make changes at any time.
What % of donations does JustGiving take?
0%. All donations go directly to Samaritans.
How do I submit money that has been raised offline?
Simply download and print out the Dawn Walk sponsorship form.
You can pay in money raised offline in the following ways:
- Pay in online: samaritans.org/donate/pay-in
- Pay in by cheque: send a cheque made payable to Samaritans to: Samaritans, The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, KT17 2AF. Remember to include your name and address details so we can thank you.
- Pay in by BACS: contact us directly and we will provide you with our bank details. You'll be given a unique reference, so we can track your donation.
Pay by phone: to make a donation over the phone, call our supporter care team on 03709 00 00 32.
Other
How do I purchase Dawn Walk merchandise?
You can purchase all Dawn Walk merchandise via our online shop.
Who should I speak to for more information?
If you have any other questions or queries, please email dawnwalk@samaritans.org.