Evidence
We work tirelessly to understand suicide and its risk factors. We use what we know to help us and others be more effective in suicide prevention.
Pandemic impacts
Our programme of research to understand the social, psychological and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on vulnerable people continues to inform how we influence the recovery after the pandemic. This year we reported on three studies:
- An analysis of our service data, surveys and related research indicated how the pandemic had affected wellbeing and suicidality among Samaritans’ callers. For instance, in changing the nature of people’s concerns.
- Research that showed young adults who experienced economic disruption due to the pandemic were more likely to report suicidal thoughts or risk factors for suicidal feelings and behaviour.
- A research project exploring the challenges, hopes and coping strategies of 15 people who’ve felt suicidal or self-harmed since the pandemic began.
"When the pandemic came along, I wanted to try and help out and support people far and wide. Samaritans offered a platform for me to lend my support to those struggling in silence. I was honoured to take up the role as a Branch Support Volunteer. As a British Indian Sikh Punjabi woman from London, I feel it’s even more important to speak out. Please don’t have this fear in coming out and I beg you to not struggle in silence. Never feel you should fight these battles alone. There is always someone there for you, always."
Sandeep, Samaritans volunteer in London
Building our evidence
Alongside our research relating to the pandemic, we conducted a wide range of studies to help us understand the best ways we and other organisations and policymakers can support and protect different groups, including:
- a study to understand the support needs of construction workers, among whom there is a higher rate of suicide
- an exploration into peer support as a way to help people who self-harm
- research to understand more about the effectiveness of suicide prevention in prisons in London, funded by NHS England and HM Prison and Probation Service
Our research activity is increasing all the time, and it’s vital that we make sure all our research is completed to a high ethical standard. That’s why, this year, we trained more than 80 members of staff in research ethics and increased the size of our Research Ethics Board.
"I phoned Samaritans at various points when I was feeling suicidal and someone listened to me. Samaritans was a really helpful part of my journey to getting to where I am today. I’m now a running coach, have shared a TEDx talk and started my own podcast."
Tom
Evaluating ourselves
We continually check our services are effective and beneficial. This year, in parallel with our ongoing monitoring, we reviewed the impact of our ‘caller support’ plans for people who need additional support from us. And we invited people who call our helpline frequently to help us understand their experiences and how we can support them most effectively.