Family concerns on the rise, new Samaritans data reveals

Christmas may be a time for family but new figures from Samaritans reveal that caller concerns about loved ones has risen for the fourth year in a row.

In 2018, family worries made up 29% of emotional support contacts with the leading suicide prevention charity across the UK and Republic of Ireland, but so far in 2021* the figure stands at 34%.

Mental health/illness is still holding steady as the top overall concern at 46%, with isolation and loneliness ranking third at 28% and relationship problems follows on 24%.

Now one previous Christmas caller, who credits Samaritans with saving her life, has been chosen as the face of the charity’s latest festive campaign.

Stephanie, 32, phoned Samaritans on Christmas Eve 2015 when she was really struggling.

“Christmas always felt like a particularly difficult time. One year on Christmas Eve, it all got too much, and I tried to take my life. I woke up the next day feeling very unwell, but I got dressed and went to visit my family for Christmas. I became good at putting on a front.” 

Stephanie, a celebrity manicurist to the stars who has worked with Little Mix, Leona Lewis and Disney, continued: “I look back at the pictures and I’m smiling, but I wasn’t ok at all. That feeling built up and spilled over into the New Year. I didn’t know who to speak to, so one night I called Samaritans and let everything out. I remember feeling embarrassed and it took me a long time to get everything out. I am so thankful to that volunteer. He saved my life that night. I realised I didn’t want to die. I just didn’t want to hurt anymore.” 

Stephanie is now calling on the public to ‘Be A Samaritans Christmas Star’ this season by making a donation or helping Samaritans volunteers be there for others like her by fundraising for the charity.  Supporting Samaritans will help bring light to someone on their darkest day, ensuring trained volunteers are there to respond to calls at a time of year when Samaritans is a lifeline to those who are struggling to cope. By making a donation for as little as £5, it will help Samaritans keep their helpline running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Sarah Stone, Executive Director for Samaritans in Wales, said: “Whilst many look forward to the Christmas period, at Samaritans we know this time of year can actually be a huge challenge for some people.

 “Our amazing volunteers in Wales and across the UK will, as they do every hour of every day, be giving their time this Christmas to anyone who needs support. I think that is a pretty special gift to give. I am so proud of the work Samaritans does, and I know what a huge difference the service makes to people’s lives. So for anyone who is struggling this Christmas time, Samaritans is here for them, for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.” 

To help Samaritans listening volunteers be there for people in their darkest times, please visit samaritans.org/donate-christmas.