PDC links with Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day

Samaritans

The PDC is linking with Samaritans to support the Real People, Real Stories campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday September 10.

The campaign aims to encourage men to seek help by sharing the stories from men who have overcome difficult times with support from others.

A survey by Samaritans found that two in five men in England, Scotland and Wales aged 20-59 do not seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their problems themselves. This group includes men who are most at risk of suicide.

The campaign includes the stories of several men who have overcome tough times, to encourage others to seek help by calling Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123 or visiting Samaritans.org
 
“At the PDC, we take the mental wellbeing of our fans, players and staff incredibly seriously and we think it’s important to be able to raise awareness of Samaritans’ Real People, Real Stories campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"We hope all those connected with the PDC will take a moment to watch and share these powerful stories and contact Samaritans’ national helpline or their local branch if they need someone to listen.”

Although the survey by Samaritans also found that 78% of men say it’s OK to admit you’re not feeling OK, many still avoid speaking out when they’re finding life tough. 

A quarter of men felt their problems weren’t important enough to warrant calling a helpline. And almost three in ten men said loneliness and isolation had made them feel low in the past.
 
Find out more about Real People, Real Stories at samaritans.org/realpeoplerealstories.

You can also support by following the campaign @samaritanscharity on Instagram or sharing the video on Twitter @samaritans or Facebook at facebook.com/samaritanscharity, using the hashtag #RealPeopleRealStories.