Samaritans in suicide prevention partnership

Recent findings have highlighted the vital role GP surgeries can play in raising awareness of mental health support and the Samaritans 24/7 helpline.
Samaritans volunteers answer the free, 24/7 Samaritans helpline on 116 123, offering a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where people can talk openly, explore their feelings and consider ways to cope with difficult situations. 
The charity has been helping people in need for more than 70 years and are available for every hour of every day.
Cllr Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: "Every suicide is a tragedy, and it is vital that people know support is available before they reach crisis point. 
"GP surgeries often have regular contact with residents and are well placed to help raise awareness of services such as Samaritans.
“This partnership between Swindon & District Samaritans, Zurich Insurance UK, local GP practices and the Council shows what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community. 
"A simple poster or contact card could be the reminder someone needs to reach out for help, and that could make all the difference."
Matt Burton, Finance Business Partner and one of the Zurich Team, said: “Working together, a team of employee volunteers from Zurich UK and Swindon & District Samaritans volunteers have been able to create and distribute an awareness pack to GP surgeries across our local area. 
"The aim is simple: to make sure more people know that support is available and that whatever they’re facing, they don’t have to face it alone.”
We’ve also been fortunate to be able to work with the team at Wyvern Health Partnership to be sure our awareness pack works within busy GP practices. 
Colin Robson, Practice Manager from the partnership, said: “Working alongside the Samaritans on this project has been a genuinely collaborative experience.
"GP practices are often the first point of contact for people experiencing emotional distress. 
"We are delighted to support the development of this awareness pack to ensure it fits seamlessly into the realities of primary care and provides a valuable resource for practice teams and patients alike.”
By putting this information directly into GP surgeries, the partnership says, it is. helping to make that first step towards support a little easier because, sometimes, knowing that someone is there to listen can make all the difference. 
 

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