Our dedicated West Highlands and Skye project aims to raise awareness of Samaritans services by engaging with local communities, employers and organisations to ensure that everyone is aware that help and support is available - wherever they are in the area. With a strong focus on lone and isolated workers*, the project will offer a range of supports to improve mental wellbeing and help to reduce suicide risk.
The project aims to challenge the stigma associated with mental health and suicide through targeted awareness raising campaigns, increasing signposting to local and national support and delivering community and employer training.
Issues of isolation, access to health services and stigma can often make seeking help and support challenging in a rural area. Research conducted on behalf of Samaritans in 2017/18 exploring people’s lived experience in the Western Highlands found evidence of considerable stigma around mental health, as well as perpetuated local narratives about suicide.
Knowing how to access services and understanding the support they could provide were considered primary barriers to seeking help. As part of the project delivery in 2023, we will be undertaking extensive research into the experiences of lone and isolated workers and the role of what can help with mental wellbeing.
Working in collaboration with local partners, community groups, employers and organisations is a key element of the project and we would very much like to hear from you. Please contact the West Highlands & Skye team at: [email protected]
*For the purposes of this project, the term “lone and isolated workers” is used to refer to those who are physically isolated, working in a small team but may feel isolated, isolated from the community perhaps as a result of being transient workers e.g. in the hospitality sector, and/or isolated due to professional expectations e.g. GP’s and NHS workers.