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Samaritans announce “lifesaving” partnership with housebuilder

This news post is about 4 years old
 

Donations from CALA will allow the charity to answer 25,000 extra calls for help.

Samaritans will be able to answer 25,000 extra calls for help every year thanks to a fundraising partnership with an Edinburgh-based homebuilder.

With the help of corporate donations from CALA Homes, the charity will also be able to launch a new online chat service, allowing those in need of support to get in touch directly with one of thousands of volunteers.

Staff from the company will also raise money through activities such as the Kiltwalk and London Marathon.

In return, Samaritans will provide listening and emotional resilience training to help equip CALA’s 1,200 staff – as well as employees of its subcontractors – with the skills to take care of their own wellbeing and that of their co-workers.

The partnership follows Samaritans’ call for better mental and emotional health support for middle-aged men, who are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. Risk of suicide is also significantly higher than the national UK average for men who work in the construction sector.

Kevin Whitaker, CALA chief executive, said: “It’s a privilege to play a part in helping Samaritans to reach more people in need. No one knows when they might need Samaritans and our backing will help to make their vital services even more accessible to people across the UK, who are struggling to cope.

“Mental health is as important as physical health and for our own staff and subcontractors – who are at the very heart of our business – Samaritans’ emotional resilience training will be invaluable, and this forms part of a wider strategy to support employee wellbeing at CALA.

“This partnership is also an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the challenge we face within the construction industry with regards to mental health.”

Matthew Lock, head of corporate partnerships at Samaritans, said: “We know workers within the construction industry can be more at risk of suicide.

“With CALA’s support, we will be able to help equip staff with techniques, tools and resources that support their emotional wellbeing and create a culture where people feel that they can get support if they need it.

“This partnership will also help us continue to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope. Together we will save lives.”

 

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