Gail Porter unveils 3D London billboard for Samaritans as charity launches new winter campaign

Samaritans ambassador Gail Porter is urging the public to help the charity bring someone’s future back this winter as she puts the finishing touches to an innovative new 3d billboard in London. The Scottish TV personality has attached a pair of trainers to the new billboard – an object chosen by Samaritans caller Layla McBain as an object that represents a hopeful future after overcoming struggles with poor mental health. Gail said: “Winter can be a dark time in more ways than one so it’s vital that people know there is…

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Samaritans unveils plan to future proof the life-saving charity and answer more calls from those in crisis

Samaritans announces three areas of change that will shape the suicide prevention charity’s future and ensure it is here for more people. Samaritans volunteers last year responded to more than 3.3 million calls. With more people experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempts in their lifetime*, the need for Samaritans’ life-saving service is sadly both urgent and long term. Despite volunteers answering a call for help every 10 seconds, there are times of the day when people in crisis can’t get through. The charity that prevents suicide through the power of human…

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Samaritans demands more support for emergency workers amidst shocking rise in suicide and self-harm call outs

Samaritans reveals troubling new data showing an annual rise of 32,143 in Ambulance Service suicide and self-harm call outs across England. The charity’s Freedom of Information request received responses from eight out of the 11  NHS Ambulance Services in England, all of which responded to more suicide and self-harm incidents in 2024 than in 2023, with one region handling almost double the number than the previous year. The latest figures paint an even more concerning picture of the rising pressure on emergency services. Earlier this year, a Parliamentary Question revealed…

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Premier League and Samaritans launches ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative to support fans

The Premier League and Samaritans have launched ‘Together Against Suicide’, a new initiative to support football fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, helping raise awareness of the information and expertise available to those who need it most. The initiative launches on World Suicide Prevention Day and has been developed by the Premier League and Samaritans in collaboration with broadcaster Roman Kemp and Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham. ‘Together Against Suicide’ is backed by all 20 Premier League clubs, with the League is funding 11 clubs to provide bespoke support…

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Samaritans awarded new BSI safeguarding standard PAS5222

Samaritans awarded ‘Safeguarding Children in Out of School Settings’ standard. Samaritans has just achieved the new British Standards Institution (BSI) standard ‘Safeguarding children in out of school settings – PAS5222’. BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other standards-related publications, information and services. The new standard came into effect on 05 March 2024 and Samaritans commissioned BramahHR and Safeguarding to complete the inspection and audit. Inspection and audit steps BramahHR and Safeguarding held a range of interviews with key stakeholders and those responsible for delivering safeguarding…

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