Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to anyone who is in distress, lonely, struggling to cope, or feeling suicidal. To show our support, NAPIT has been fundraising for the charity throughout this year, as well as marking Samaritans Awareness Day on July 24.
To mark this day, NAPIT want to raise awareness surrounding listening. Samaritans Awareness Day, 24/7, raises awareness that Samaritans are there to listen without judgment or pressure.
In a report by Ironmongery Direct, 56 per cent of tradespeople revealed that they don’t talk to anyone about their mental health. Opening up and having someone to talk to is a positive start to addressing mental well-being.
Whether that be a helpline like the Samaritans, a colleague, a close friend or a family member, having someone to talk to can be a reminder that you are not alone. The Samaritans shared information on the importance of having someone there to listen can help those who are struggling work through what’s going on and feel better able to cope.
Conversations can help remove the stigma surrounding mental health for tradespeople. The Samaritans state that ‘You don’t have to be an expert to help someone open up when something’s up. The fact that you care is what matters.’
The charity has put together some tips to help you spot when something might be up, open up a conversation and be a good listener.
These are some of the signs that someone may not be okay:
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy.
- Finding everyday things overwhelming.
- Not replying to messages or being distant.
- Avoiding people or seeming quiet.
- Appearing restless or agitated.
- Easily tearful.
- Drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings.
Don’t be shy to ask how someone’s feeling:
- Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions.
- Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer.
- ‘How are things? I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself.’
- Listen well. ‘How’s that making you feel?’
- Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong or what they should do.
Showing you care builds trust to open up:
- Make eye contact and put away your phone.
- Focus completely on the other person.
- Pauses are fine, try not to jump in to fill a silence.
- Say back what you think it is they are wanting you to hear.
- Resist putting your own interpretation on it.
- Don’t give up. Sometimes it can take a few tries!
Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director, said: “NAPIT are proud to support Samaritans, an incredible cause that is needed now more than ever. A male-dominated industry doesn’t have to be lonely; opening up and being vulnerable is a step closer to breaking the stigma.
“It’s important that stakeholders and tradespeople continue to put out this messaging in hopes of encouraging more conversations in the industry. We look forward to our upcoming fundraising events and will continue to emphasise the importance of mental well-being.”
To learn more about the NAPIT fundraising efforts or to get involved, visit our JustGiving page.
Samaritans contact details
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what’s on your mind.
Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to jo@samaritans.org
It may take several days to receive a reply by email.
If you need someone straight away, you can call 116 123 any time, day or night.
Download The Samaritans ‘Little Tips’ poster.
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