Help Samaritans Inverness be there for people struggling this winter
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Samaritans is seeking to ensure people know they do not need to struggle alone this winter.
The charity’s #BreaktheSilence campaign is encouraging people to open up about their struggles with mental health and suicidal feelings.
Every 90 minutes in the UK, someone dies by suicide, but talking saves lives. The charity is asking people to donate to keep Samaritans available for people to talk to when they are ready to break their silence.
Volunteers from Inverness will join over 13,000 listening volunteers at Samaritans branches to answer calls for help from people feeling overwhelmed this winter.
Janet Guthrie from Inverness Samaritans said: “This time of year can be challenging for all sorts of reasons. Whether it’s family problems, financial worries or the grief for the loss of a loved one, the festive season can often magnify these pressures which might be especially hard this year, with many households facing the cost of living crisis.
“But we understand that difficult feelings can be felt at any season, which is why our volunteers are here day and night, 365 days a year to give people the space to explore feelings that perhaps they cannot share with anyone else.”
Ian (57) reached out to Samaritans in the past and said: “The great thing I found when talking to Samaritans is that there is no judgement,” he said. “To have an incredibly empathic listening ear that allows you to say whatever you want and take as long as you want, is quite a remarkable thing.”
Visit samaritans.org/silence for more information on Samaritans Winter Appeal and to donate to Inverness Samaritans.
