Volunteers from the Stockport & District Branch of Samaritans have successfully delivered over a thousand Samaritans mugs containing support materials to local construction sites and community groups – spreading messages of hope and reassurance to a sector most in need of mental health and suicide support.
The construction industry has a high level of stress due to work pressure – difficult working conditions, demanding contracts and living away from home.
The project, funded by the National Lottery, enabled the Samaritans branch to distribute mugs and other publicity materials to construction sites across Stockport, parts of Manchester and Tameside to make construction workers aware of the emotional support service.
Volunteers have also been giving lunchtime ‘toolbox talks, to encourage workers to talk about their feelings. These have been held at Stockport Interchange and the new Stepping Hill Hospital A&E site as well as to Men in Sheds.
As part of the project, mugs, tea bags, pens and leaflets were also given to community groups involved in the Stockport Council’s Warm Spaces initiative.
Stockport & District Samaritans Branch Director, Lynn Sbaih said,
“We are pleased that the project has enabled us to tell local people about Samaritans. Our volunteers have received a warm welcome at every place. We want to show a friendly face, encouraging people to get in touch with us if they are feeling upset. A huge thanks to the National Lottery for providing the funding for the project.”
Samaritans help anyone struggling to cope – day and night, 365 days a year. The charity offers a 24-hour listening support to people who feel they are reaching a crisis point.
Samaritans believe that suicide is preventable. Their listening volunteers give listening support to anyone who needs someone to listen without judgment or pressure.
Callers contact Samaritans with all manner of problems – mental health, relationships, bereavement, employment. It is sometimes a multitude of issues that causes people to feel overwhelmed.
At the Stockport & District Branch there are 111 volunteers. In 2022, the branch took 18,314 calls for help.
Contact Samaritans, free 24/7 by phone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
To find out more about Stockport & District Samaritans, visit;www.samaritans.org/branches/
