At noon today, Samaritans will launch a 24-hour awareness and fundraising push called The Big Listen to demonstrate how listening to another person can be the first step to saving a life, and to raise as much money as possible to help keep Samaritans’ 24-hour emotional support line going.
The mental health charity has now released an exclusive video that goes behind the scenes to meet some of Samaritans’ 20,000 volunteers, who respond to one call for help every 6 seconds. There are currently 19 branches in Scotland, supported by over 1,000 volunteers across the country.
Donations made during this 24-hour period will help Samaritans keep its emotional support services free to anyone who needs them, 24/7, as well as helping to recruit, train and support its volunteers, who answer calls and run hundreds of branches of Samaritans across the UK.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“While suicide rates in Scotland are declining, as many as 1 in 5 adults in Scotland have thought about taking their own life at some point. Unfortunately, not everyone feels able to talk to family, friends, or colleagues, so Samaritans volunteers provide a real lifeline for people who just need someone to truly listen.
“By promoting good listening techniques and raising awareness of how to approach mental health conversations with compassion, more people will feel comfortable opening up to someone they trust and resolving issues before they reach crisis point.”
To watch the campaign video, share The Big Listen message, or make a donation, please visit: https://thebiglisten.samaritans.org/ .
Should you require any assistance or would you like to know more about the local Samaritans, please phone the national (free) number 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or contact the Ayrshire Samaritans on 01563 531313.
Ayrshire Samaritans can be visited at 22 The Foregate, Kilmarnock, KA1 1LU during the following opening hours:
Monday CLOSED Tuesday: 5pm - 8pm Wednesday: 8am - 11am and 6pm - 8pm Thursday: 6pm - 8pm Friday: 8pm - 8pm Saturday: 5pm - 8pm Sunday: 5pm - 8pm
Please be patient for volunteers to answer the door as they may be taking calls.
ENDS
