SAMARITANS VOLUNTEERS OFFER A LISTENING EAR IN PLYMOUTH ON REMEMBRANCE DAY

Credit: Chris O'Donovan

This Remembrance Day, Samaritans is running a roadshow in Plymouth city centre to remind the public, whatever they’re facing, Samaritans volunteers are there to listen 24/7.

Samaritans from the Plymouth, East Cornwall, and South West Devon branch will be in the town on Saturday, November 11, with the aim of promoting the importance of taking care of your mental health, as well as looking out for others.

The trailer-based event will be themed around Samaritans’ successful Real People, Real Stories campaign, which aims to encourage men to seek help if they are struggling to cope.

The campaign aims to highlight the power of human connection through sharing reflections from men aged between 20 and 59.

A survey carried out by the charity found 40% of men said talking to others helped them concerns and worries they had during the pandemic.

Now, with the cost of living crisis, talking and listening to one another has never been more important;

Samaritans’ 22,000 volunteers across the UK have continued to provide emotional support throughout the pandemic, responding to 10,000 calls for help every day.

Samaritans volunteers will be at the Sundial and Piazza between 9am and 4pm, and will be on hand to talk about the service they provide and offer emotional support to anyone who may need it.

Samaritans will be joined by representatives from health and social care service, Livewell Southwest.

Paul Sherratt, branch director Plymouth, East Cornwall, and South West Devon Samaritans, said: “National awareness days such as Remembrance Day can be challenging for some people.

“Even though Real People, Real Stories is aimed at men, we want to show we are here for anyone who needs support at any time of day or night.

“Two in five men aged 20 to 59 in England, Scotland and Wales don't seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems.

“If you’re feeling low or struggling to cope, it’s okay.”

To find out more information about Real People, Real Stories, go to https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/real-people-real-stories/

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