There is help: you don’t have to face it alone

● Samaritans has been working flat out throughout the pandemic, dealing with more than 7,000 calls a day, and offering support through its website. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons for seeking help, says the charity’s CEO, Ruth Sutherland. And for many people it has been a distressing new experience.

● ‘Social isolation and loneliness have always been common themes in the calls we receive, but during Covid-19, I would say there has been a new group of people experiencing it for the first time,’ says Ruth.

● ‘Volunteers have noticed an increase in the number of first-time callers, and people wanting human contact has been top of the list,’ she adds. ‘Loneliness makes things worse because our connection to other people is what keeps us well. If the feeling of isolation and loneliness persists, it becomes a significant risk to our health and wellbeing.’

● As well as contacting helplines, people have also been using the charity’s website to find support during the pandemic. ‘We’ve increased self-help materials online,’ says Ruth. ‘Traffic to the “help” part of our website has increased by 170%, which shows people are seeking assistance, which is a good thing.’

● Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for useful resources and advice on coping during this difficult time.