Pendle Samaritans tackle loneliness this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 (9th-15th May)
Most of us have felt lonely at some point in our lives.
Whether that's for an hour, a month, or perhaps even years, we all know how difficult it can be when struggling with loneliness. Often, we try to hide our loneliness from others and can feel embarrassed to mention it to anyone.
Sometimes it can be hard just to admit to ourselves that we're feeling lonely.
For this Mental Health Awareness week, Pendle Samaritans has been out in the community, encouraging us to take away the stigma of loneliness by having have a good, honest, chat about how being lonely can affect us.
Alan, Margaret, Andrew & Judith greet people in Burnley's Charter Walk Shopping Centre
Pendle Samaritans - incidentally celebrating being part of the community for 50 years - has been increasing its presence over the last few weeks in key locations around the area, such as Burnley town centre, Burnley College, and various supermarkets.
In particular we wanted to raise further awareness of Mental Health, let people know what support Samaritans can offer, and encourage all of us to reach out and help each other.
Director Dale hosts a mental health and wellbeing session for Burnley College construction students
At Burnley College, there was a full house of construction students taking part in a mental health and wellbeing session, hosted by branch director, Dale. Discussions were tailored in particular to some of the stressors students may face, and included noting the importance of recognising where help is available, how loneliness can impact us, and ways to tackle exam stress.
The students fully engaged with the session, with one student even shaking Dale's hand and saying that he appreciates all that we do. We hope that the construction students take with them vital knowledge to support themselves, their friends and their families.
In the aftermath of covid, there is a lot of work to be done. Our communities need us more than ever. We are currently recruiting more volunteers and training them so that there is always somebody able to answer the phone from a caller in distress.
Dale Hannah, Pendle Branch Director
Pendle branch know how important it is to be visible in the community and to work hard to be there for those who need us. You might see us in Morrisons, or competing in the occasional sponsored challenge, such as the recent Ormskirk Triathlon, or in your local shopping centre.
Wherever you see us, please feel free to come up to us and say "hi".
We know how difficult it can be struggling through loneliness - over these last two years, calls to Samaritans mentioning loneliness and isolation have increased by more than a fifth.
Now more than ever it is crucial that we be there for one another.
Jean lends a helping hand, greeting people in Nelson's local Morrisons
Think someone you know may be experiencing loneliness? Feeling lonely yourself?
Here's some helpful facts and tips to help manage loneliness:
To show that anyone can struggle with loneliness, celebrity Scarlett Moffatt, talked about her experiences with loneliness and contacting Samaritans.
The more we talk about and understand loneliness the more we can tackle the stigma that’s so often attached to it. Opening up shows great strength 💪Thank you so much to Scarlett for sharing her own experience with feelings of loneliness. Read more 👇 https://t.co/6AcgdQI7jA
— Samaritans (@samaritans) May 6, 2022
With your help, we can support those struggling with loneliness
To make a donation to Pendle branch, please click here