Samaritans encourage men to seek help

Samaritans branches from across Greater Manchester came together to support the Real People Real Stories campaign this week.

The campaign aims to encourage men to seek help from organisations like Samaritans by sharing the stories of those who have come through tough times.

On Tuesday 19 March, volunteers from Manchester and Salford, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan Samaritans spent the day in Piccadilly Gardens in central Manchester, talking to locals about the campaign and providing emotional support to anyone who needed it.

A survey by Samaritans found that two in five (41%) men in England, Scotland and Wales aged 20-59 do not seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their problems themselves. This group includes men who are most at risk of suicide.

The campaign, supported by National Rail, includes the stories of a number of men who have overcome tough times, to encourage others to seek help by calling Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123 or visiting Samaritans.org.

The volunteers handed out more than 1,800 cards and travelcard wallets which included details of Samaritans services for themselves or for passing to family or friends. One-to-one emotional support was provided to over 20 people.

The Samaritans volunteers were joined by local councillor, Joanna Midgley, who said: “It was great to meet so many wonderful volunteers from Samaritans in Piccadilly Gardens on Tuesday. It is a real tragedy to see so many men take their lives each year and this campaign is so important in getting men talking and sharing their stories with others.”

Robert Jackson, Manchester and Salford Samaritans Director, said: “We know men can sometimes find it really hard to admit they are having trouble coping and reluctant to seek help, and we want to say that across our branches in Greater Manchester we do our best to make it easy to get in touch with Samaritans and talk to a volunteer. We are here to take calls 24/7 free on 116 123.”

The campaign survey results found that although 78% of men say it’s okay to admit you’re not feeling okay, many still avoid speaking out when they’re finding life tough. A quarter of men (25%) felt their problems weren’t important enough to warrant calling a helpline.

Tony Robertson, 38, suffered from undiagnosed depression for most of his life. Tony struggled to cope when he lost his job, his home and partner, and attempted to take his own life. “I was in my hospital bed the morning after and I saw my mum sat there upset, and something clicked. I started talking to my mum about how I was feeling. I think having that human connection really does bring that home. I hope by sharing my story as part of the campaign, it will encourage other men to speak up and seek help before getting to the stage that I got to. Talking really can save lives.”

The survey found that some of the main reasons why men find life tough and struggle include debt or financial worries (36%), relationship breakdown or family problems (30%), loneliness or isolation (29%) and job loss or job-related problems (25%).

Almost 3 in 10 men (29%) said loneliness and isolation had made them feel low in the past.

Ex-Premier League footballer and professional boxer, Leon McKenzie, who is supporting the campaign, said: “I know how tough it gets when you’re in that dark place. I’ve been there, not wanting to exist anymore. By sharing my story and supporting the campaign, I hope other men understand that you can climb back up with some help. It’s so important to seek help early on and Samaritans are here to listen.”

If you’re feeling troubled, help is available

Samaritans – for everyone

Call: 116 123 – 24 hours a day

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Web: www.samaritans.org