Gail Porter and Corrie star team up with Samaritans to remind public that small talk can be lifesaving

Samaritans’ Ambassador Gail Porter and Coronation Street newcomer and Samaritans volunteer Channique Sterling-Brown are reminding the public that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by simply striking up a conversation, as part of Samaritans’ latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Both Gail and Channique are speaking out after new Samaritans research revealed that only 50% of UK adults said they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public. The survey also suggested that we’re more comfortable behind…

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Samaritans digital transformation helps thousands more people access support

As Samaritans celebrates 70 years of listening, it’s come a long way from just being a phoneline. Latest figures show over 185,000 people have been helped thanks to the suicide prevention charity’s new digital services. Since the soft launch in 2020, more than 80,000 people have turned to the charity for emotional support via its online chat pilot. This has proven to be a vital new way to seek help from Samaritans, as 60% of users have never contacted Samaritans before and 40% say they would not reach out in…

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OddBalls raises funds for mental health support with special charity edition underwear for Samaritans

Eye-catching UK underwear brand OddBalls has launched two special products to raise funds for Samaritans. The new men’s boxer shorts and women’s briefs incorporate a design that nods to the charity’s brand, and features the message ‘It’s okay not to be okay’. OddBalls will donate £1 from every sale of each product directly to Samaritans. Founded in 2014 as part of an initiative to raise awareness about testicular cancer, OddBalls has quickly become one of the UK’s biggest underwear brands and has expanded its charitable objectives during that time. With…

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Samaritans Supports Student Mental Health Through New Collaboration With The Positive Planner

Samaritans has co-created a brand new journal with The Positive Planner, aimed at supporting further education students with their wellbeing. They have worked alongside leading student mental health expert Dr Dominique Thompson and UK students to create a unique wellbeing journal specifically designed to support the needs of further education students. According to NUS1, half of students say their mental health is worse than before the Coronavirus pandemic, citing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and depression. “The Positive Student Planner” supports students both emotionally and practically as they navigate the…

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Ireland’s dairy sector driving new rural mental health campaign with Samaritans

The new partnership with milk processors – who are all members of the Ibec group Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) – aims to raise awareness of Samaritans freephone number 116 123 among farmers and other people in rural Ireland, especially those living or working in isolation. The signs will appear on approximately 500 milk trucks and agri-feed vehicles owned by some of the country’s largest co-operatives. It is supported by Arrabawn, Aurivo, Carbery (including Drinagh, Bandon, Lisavard and Barryroe co-ops), Dairygold, Glanbia, Kerry, Lakeland, North Cork, Ornua (Kerrygold), and Tipperary. Conor…

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