Shropshire Star

Don't forget to check in on friends, says charity

A Shropshire charity is reminding people to check on anyone who might he struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

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To mark World Mental Health Day today Shrewsbury Samaritans is also offering advice and information on how to help people who might be finding life difficult.

Branch director Helen McGuinness, said that as people faced the possibility of more restrictions due to the pandemic, it was important to prioritise mental health and stay connected with others.

"The age of social distancing has meant people are having less face-to-face contact so it can be much harder to spot signs that someone might be struggling," she said.

“Looking after mental health and emotional wellbeing is everybody’s business, we all have a part to play. We need to work together to ensure that we check in and support anyone who may be struggling during these challenging times.”

She said those worried about somebody else could find a wealth of resources and advice on supporting someone who is struggling and experiencing suicidal thoughts here on the Samaritans website.

Information on how to help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, what to do if someone is self-harming as well as advice on self-care and looking after emotional wellbeing are all being made available.

Samaritans will also be sharing useful advice and resources on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the day, including some new online resources on supporting somebody who is self-harming.

People can follow the hashtags #WMHD or #WorldMentalHealthDay and follow the charity on Twitter through @SamaritanShrew.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or email jo@samaritans.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 For more information on Samaritans of Shrewsbury please contact Richard Dunnill on

enquiries@shrewsburysamaritans.org.uk or 07793 825872. You can follow us at

@SamaritanShrew

 Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile

without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can

email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.

 Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers

that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support

us or volunteer with us.

 You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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