SAMARITANS TEAM UP WITH IN IT TOGETHER FESTIVAL TO SUPPORT THE CROWD

At any event where there are thousands of people having a great time, there are inevitably some who are not. Sometimes people can arrive hoping to forget about their problems, but the sight of so many happy people can make them feel even worse. Others can arrive feeling relatively OK, but something happens during the event which leaves them feeling low. This is where Samaritans Festival branch comes in. 

They attend a wide range of festivals and events throughout the UK, including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds and will this year be returning to the In It Together Festival in Margam, Port Talbot which will feature headliners The Kooks, Anne-Marie and James performing across the weekend (26^th-28^th May) 

Samaritans Festival Branch provide a 24-hour, non-judgemental, face to face listening service throughout the event. People can discuss anything that’s getting them down, no matter how serious or how trivial and the conversation is completely confidential. Whether people feel suicidal or not, they are given the opportunity to talk through whatever is on their mind with a non-judgemental volunteer who is trained to listen.

Dave Xerri, Deputy Director of Festival Branch and volunteer, shared some reflections on the reasons people may need to come and chat.

There are many reasons why people are having a tough time at festivals. Many are having a hard time at home and as much as they want to leave that at home and have a great time, they bring those problems with them. We see people of all different ages; younger people may be struggling with exam pressure or results and others may be struggling with relationships or money problems. We support people experiencing anxiety through to those who are having suicidal thoughts

Samaritans Cymru say they have seen an increase in calls relating to finance or debt problems and have also seen a rise in first time callers surrounding these issues. This may increase the number of people needing support at events such as In It Together.

Samaritans Cymru say that struggling to cope with everyday life doesn’t look or feel the same in everyone and we can’t generalise about how it’ll make you feel or act. They have outlined some signs that you may be struggling to cope – 

• Feeling exhausted all the time
• Experiencing ‘brain fog’, find it hard to think clearly
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Feeling restless and agitated
• Feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time
• Not wanting to talk to or be with people
• Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings

They are urging anyone who’s struggling to cope to reach out to someone, whether that’s a friend, a colleague or a charity like Samaritans. They say that when you feel low, it can be hard to see beyond your current situation but talking to someone can help you find a way through. 

Samaritans are experienced in listening to people with suicidal thoughts, feelings and plans and are there to support you:

• when you’re desperate or on edge, they can help you get through that moment
• they will help you make sense of what you’re feeling
• they can identify other forms of help if you think you want it.

In response to their thoughts on teaming up with Samaritans, a spokesperson from In It Together Festival said – 

We’re really proud to have Samaritans involved with our festival again this year and we want everyone in the In It Together community to know that Samaritans will be there for anyone having a tough time. They offer a totally confidential safe space and we believe that’s really important. We hope everyone has an amazing time but we are also committed to your wellbeing and want you to know it’s OK to ask for help!

In It Together festival will take place this weekend (26^th-28^th May) Old Park Farm, Water Street, Margam, Port Talbot and you can find out more at www.inittogetherfestival.com 
Samaritans Festival branch will be at In It Together for the whole weekend and can offer support round the clock.