This January we are working in partnership with Samaritans to raise awareness of the support that they can provide throughout these challenging times.

Last year it was estimated that as many as one in four people would experience mental health issues as a result of being in lock-down and as this year gets off to a challenging start we want to let you know you are not alone and there is always someone there to support you.

During the first lockdown, Aberdeen FC and AFC Community Trust (AFCCT) supported thousands in need with the #StillStandingFree campaign and continued that work over the festive period through the Calling Home for Christmas Campaign, Wellbeing Workshops, involvement in Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas and fans fundraising.

The Club and Trust’s dedicated call team made almost 4,000 calls and were able to speak to 2,537 fans who may have been experiencing loneliness, anxiety or depression.

Now we are working in partnership with Samaritans to highlight the help and guidance that they can provide if you find yourself, a friend or family member struggling or in a difficult situation.

Who are Samaritans?
Samaritans are there 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.

Much has changed over the 60 years since the Aberdeen Branch was established yet much remains the same, their vision is still to reduce deaths by suicide however, they will always provide support to anyone in distress or despair. The Branch contains around 70 volunteers from a variety of places in and around Aberdeen, and a mixture of ages and backgrounds!

The telephone remains the core of the service, but callers can now use email, can still drop in to meet a volunteer face to face * and will soon be able to access the service using online chat.

* Due to Covid-19 restrictions the face-to-face service has been temporarily suspended.

What do Samaritans do?
If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans listen. They will not judge or tell you what to do. You can call any time, from any phone, for free.

What can I expect on a call with Samaritans?
If you call Samaritans, they will listen to you and help you talk through your concerns, worries and troubles. They will focus on your thoughts and feelings and may ask you questions to explore these further, they won’t make decisions for you, their advice or opinions are not important for the call. They will offer you a safe space to talk anytime and in your own way, and they are not religious, the link between the name and any religious text is completely coincidental.

How do I contact Samaritans?
• Call 116 123, free from any phone.
• Email jo@samaritans.org, response time: 24 hours

They are based on Dee Street in Aberdeen and have been in operation for over 60 years now. Due to the pandemic, you cannot visit them at the moment, but they do have more than 70 volunteers responding to emails and phone calls from those in need.

How can I help Samaritans?
If you would like to donate direct to the Aberdeen branch of Samaritans you can donate £5 by texting ABSAMS to 70085, this will help the branch to continue operating the service.

(Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message)

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