'We are there for everyone this Christmas': Samaritans urge people to seek help if they need it
The Samaritans have urged people to remember no-one needs to be alone this Christmas.
Regardless of Covid restrictions, the organisation want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and that in Wolverhampton, as with the rest of the UK branches, they are there for everyone this Christmas.
Last year volunteers responded to more than 10,000 calls for help across on Christmas Day, prior to the coronavirus pandemic which has taken a further toll on people’s mental health.
Now the charity – which provides emotional support to anyone in need – has issued a resounding plea to anyone in need, urging them to seek out confidential support – including on Christmas.
Volunteers in Wolverhampton, based on Newhampton Road West, will be among 1,500 ready to answer calls for help from people on the festive occasion while others are tucking into their festive meals and treats.
It comes as new research from more than 1,400 volunteers a quarter had already taken calls from people who were concerned over their wellbeing over Christmas and the winter period in the last three months.
Gray, whose full name cannot be revealed for safeguarding purposes, said: “We know that Christmas can be a challenging and difficult time for many people, as it’s a time when loneliness can really hit home and that this might be intensified this year.
“Regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions, we want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and that at Wolverhampton, as with the rest of the UK branches, we are there for everyone this Christmas.
“Every call for help is answered by a trained volunteer and talking to us is always free and confidential. If you don’t feel able to call you could email us instead [Jo@samaritans.org] and receive the same support as if you called us.
“As the pandemic continues into our festive period and we face further restrictions, we must remember to prioritise our mental health and stay connected with others. The age of social distancing has meant people are having less face to face contact so it can be much harder to spot signs that someone might be struggling so now more than ever, reach out to your friends, family and colleagues.
'You don't have to face things alone'
“If you find yourself struggling now or this Christmas, please remember you don’t have to face things alone.”
This year the Samaritans have launched their festive campaign which encourages the public to donate so they can be there for those in need, with the Wolverhampton branch among those which have seen a decline in funding due to Covid-19.
It has led them to call on people to donate £5 – which will allow volunteers to answer a call.
People have been urged to do their bit as well and check on people who might be struggling due to the pandemic – or over the festive period – with advice and other vital resources available on their website.
The charity’s SHUSH tips – Show you care, Have patience, Use open questions, Say it back and Have Courage – allow people to help understand those in need and provide some comfort to them.
And residents struggling – who may not be in the mood to talk – can instead use the Samaritans’ self-help app which helps people to understand why they feel a certain way and how to take some time out.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even from a mobile without credit – and the number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
To make a donation and find out other ways you can support Wolverhampton Samaritans, visit: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/wolverhampton/wolverhampton-branch-news/emergency-donations-appeal/
