The Samaritans charity is expanding its mental health services to Scotland and Yorkshire, aiming to provide support to more people in need. The expansion comes as the charity's new chief executive, Julie Bentley, highlights the importance of early intervention and listening without judgment.
Bentley, who started in the role last month, emphasised that the service has been crucial during the pandemic, with one in five calls over the past six months related to Covid-19 concerns. Volunteers reported that isolation, mental ill-health, family issues, and unemployment were common worries among callers.
Despite fears of a rise in suicides post-lockdown, early data from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health found no evidence of a large national increase. However, Bentley warned against complacency, noting that suicide rates were already too high before the pandemic, particularly among middle-aged men.
The charity, which relies on 20,000 volunteers, saw a drop in frontline volunteers during the pandemic but still provided support to 1.2 million people between March and September 2020. New services include a self-help app and support lines for NHS workers and key workers.
Bentley stressed that it is important not to wait until someone is suicidal to offer help, as being listened to without judgment can be a powerful tool in preventing suicide. The expansion to Scotland and Yorkshire aims to reach more people who may be struggling with their mental health.
