“It Worked”: A Stranger Read a Letter and Chose to Stay!

When Ben West shared an update saying “it worked”, he wasn’t talking about reach or growth, but about a single message that confirmed a stranger had found enough hope in a letter to keep going.

Global (06 February 2026) – When we shared the story of “Reasons to Stay” just over a week ago, it was already clear that something special was unfolding. The platform had only just launched, yet thousands of people around the world had already written letters for strangers who were struggling, choosing to offer empathy, warmth and connection at moments that matter most.

What we didn’t know then was just how important those letters are!

This week, Ben West shared a video update that has left us all in tears. In it, he spoke honestly, and with visible emotion, explaining that someone had written to him with words that carried extraordinary weight. They told him that because of his website, they had received a letter and, because of that letter, had chosen to stay.

“It worked,” Ben said.

“Reasons to Stay” was launched in honour of Ben’s brother, Sam, who died by suicide in 2018. Built over two years, the platform was designed to reach people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers. Every letter is written by a real person and delivered at random to someone visiting the site. Each one is moderated by a team of volunteer clinical professionals to ensure it is safe for people experiencing suicidal distress. The intention was simple but profound: to remind people that they are not alone, even when it feels that way.

At the time of our first article, the site already featured more than 10,000 letters from people in over 100 countries, read by more than 160,000 visitors. Since then, the response has grown far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. Thousands more people from around the world, including South Africans, have taken time to write letters filled with warmth, understanding and lived experience. Those letters have now been delivered to almost half a million people, reaching individuals at moments where everything feels overwhelming and heavy. Each letter is different, but the message at the heart of them remains the same: you matter, and staying is possible.

Ben’s update marks a turning point. The platform and its purpose were confirmed in the most real way imaginable. One person read a letter at the right moment and that moment mattered. But the reality is that this website has helped so many more people. Since sharing the update, social media has filled with messages from people who felt moved by the project. Some had written letters. Others had found the site while struggling themselves. Many simply wanted Ben to know that what he created was making a difference.

“I left a letter on your site. You are an amazing advocate for your brother. Keep making a difference, and if there is anything I can do to help, just shout 💚🙏🏻 huge respect,” wrote one commenter.

“Ben your doing something that is going to help so many people. Sam will be looking down and so proud of you. You are such a beautiful soul 💕,” another wrote.

For others, discovering the site arrived at a time when they needed it most.

“Dear Ben, THANK YOU for all your hard work! As someone struggling with mental health myself, I came across your post, and your website and it really struck a chord! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart ❤️😢”

These messages reveal something important. This platform is not just about reading or writing letters. It is about people recognising themselves in one another. About strangers choosing to show up with honesty and care, even when it would be easier to scroll past.

South Africans have played a meaningful role in this global response, contributing letters shaped by empathy, reflection and understanding. It is a reminder that kindness does not need proximity to travel far, and that connection can be felt deeply, even across continents.

When Ben says “it worked”, what he is really saying is that someone chose life because another human being chose to care. And sometimes, that is how the biggest impact is made. One letter, one reader, and one moment of connection that helps someone stay.

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