Help support people you care about by listening says Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans

Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is encouraging people to offer a listening ear

Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is encouraging people in the local community to become better listeners so they can support friends and family who may be struggling, as part of the charity’s annual Talk to Us awareness campaign running throughout July.

With restrictions lifting and continued change, some people may find returning to everyday life more challenging than others.

To help, Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is encouraging people to offer a listening ear to anyone they’re concerned about and have created useful tips from starting up a conversation and how to actively listen, to supporting someone who is going through a difficult time.

SHUSH - active listening tips:

• Show you care
• Have patience
• Use open questions
• Say it back
• Have courage

The guidance in full is available on the Samaritans web site.

Throughout July, Samaritans branches across the UK and Republic of Ireland will be raising awareness of the services they offer locally, while also encouraging anyone in need of emotional support to contact their listening volunteers, who are available 24/7.

Moyra Purves, Branch Director, shares the importance of connecting with others, she said: “The challenges that many people have faced because of the pandemic are continuing and won’t necessarily ease with restrictions lifting.

“At Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans, we know how powerful listening can be. Listening helps us build relationships, be there for others and it can save lives. It’s so important to reach out for a chat with someone you care about. Whether in person or virtually, it’s just about taking time to really listen to another person which can in turn help them work through what’s on their mind.”

To find out more information about Samaritans, or to make a donation and find out other ways you can support Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans please visit www.samaritans.org/branches/rochdale/or alternatively you can donate by texting RODSAMS to 70085. You can select any whole amount between £1 and £20. For example, if you wished to donate £5, you could do so by texting RODSAMS 5 to 70085. Texts cost donation plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to donate but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text RODSAMSNOINFO to 70085.

During the pandemic, Samaritans’ helpline has been an important source of meaningful human connection for some callers in the absence of their usual social contact and volunteers have clocked up more than one million hours listening to those struggling to cope during the pandemic.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.