Press Release: The Hoosiers get slippered up for Stress Down Day

Date: Thursday 22nd January 2009   
Contact: Claire Duncan 
Phone:  +44 (0)20 8394 8345  
Email: c.duncan@samaritans.org
Out of hours press phone: +44 (0)7943 809162 

Employees nationwide will be wearing slippers to work and switching off their emails on Friday 6th February in support of Samaritans’ national fundraising initiative, Stress Down Day.

Workers will be making donations to take part in chill out activities in the office, such as swapping slippers for stilettos, selling detoxing smoothies and creating relaxation zones that people can hire throughout the day, to generate funds to maintain Samaritans’ 24-hour emotional support service, more vital than ever in these troubled times.

The Hoosiers took time out from recording their new album to support Samaritans’ campaign. Lead vocalist Irwin Sparks said: “People are put under all kinds of pressure at work which can sometimes all get too much. We are perfectionists, worrying about whether our record company and the fans won’t like the new album which doesn’t help our stress levels!” 

Bass player Martin Skarendahl said: “Arguments often start when we are recording if we have had a long stint in the studio and are tired. It’s seriously important to take time out and have regular breaks to avoid melt downs!”

Drummer Alfonso Sharland added: “We are encouraging people to get involved in Stress Down Day because it is a great way for people to take a break from the stress of the workplace for a couple of hours. Forget about polishing your shoes before work -  just keep your slippers on and feel good about it! Get involved and help raise vital funds to enable Samaritans to support people experiencing problems, particularly if they’re feeling low and down as a result of money worries or job loss fears.”

Employees are fundraising for Samaritans on Stress Down Day by making donations to wear their slippers to work, selling detoxing smoothies in the office, sponsoring colleagues to turn emails off for a couple of relaxing hours and creating a chill-out zone that people can hire throughout the day.

Companies involved in the day include: Allianz, The On Site Massage Company Ltd, Balance Me, Nationwide, The Organic Pharmacy and Westfield The Friary Shopping Centre.

Join celebrity supporters The Hoosiers, Ruby Wax and Ainsley Harriott for a stress-free Friday in the office. To find out more about activities taking place on the day and to buy Samaritans limited edition Stress Down Day monster slippers log on to www.stressdownday.org.

For information about coping with stress and signs to look out for that family, friends or colleagues may not be coping emotionally please visit: www.stressdownday.org/stressworkplace.php.

-ends-

It is the aim of Samaritans to make emotional health a mainstream issue. Samaritans believes that offering people the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings.

Samaritans is a registered charity, founded in 1953, which offers 24-hour confidential emotional support to anyone in emotional distress.  The service is offered by 16,800 trained volunteers and is entirely dependent on voluntary support. 

Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland) email jo@samaritans.org, write to Samaritans at Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92. Log on to www.samaritans.org for more information.

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