Samaritans reaches out to those affected by COVID

Some 42% of men aged 18-59 report that restrictions imposed since the outbreak of COVID-19 have had a negative impact on their mental health.

That’s according to a survey of almost 2,000 males, conducted by Samaritans ahead of the launch of its Real People, Real Stories campaign on August 11.

The campaign aims to reach men who are struggling to cope, to prevent them from reaching crisis point. It features men sharing their stories about how they have overcome tough times, so as to encourage others to seek help by calling Samaritans for free on 116 123 or by visiting Samaritans. org for online self-help tools and information.

It is particularly relevant to the rail industry, which is maledominated and where 60% of the workforce is thought to have experienced mental health issues.

The suicide rate within the industry is also some 1.6 times higher than the national average, with suicide the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.

Samaritans Executive Director of External Affairs Paul McDonald said: “We understand the value of listening and the power of human connection, particularly at this time when so many people are dealing with overwhelming feelings.

“We know that sharing stories of recovery does help other men to seek help, so we hope that our Real People, Real Stories campaign can help other men to see that they can do it too and know that Samaritans is always there when they want to talk.”

The campaign runs until September 27. Visit https:// www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/real-people-real-stories/