On the 13th of April 2019 Ballymena Samaritans, with the support and help of The Grassmen held a very success Tractor Run at the Ballymena Livestock market and surrounding townlands.
A Great event for Farmers, Family and Friends.
A team of Samaritan volunteers held an open event at Ballymena Livestock Auction. Here we met with many folk connected with the local farming community and made them aware of the support that Samaritans provide to anyone that's in need of emotional help. This is especially true of those in the community, including many farmers, that find that they spend much of their working life on their own.
24 Hour - Confidential Support available to Farming and Rural Communities
Anyone living and working in the Farming and Rural Communities face a number of challenges and stresses in their lives. How do you keep your family business running? The farm has been in your family for generations – how do you keep the respect of your family, friends and neighbours, if you are struggling to keep the business going?
Everyday life can be challenging enough – now you have the added stress of Brexit and the additional challenges that brings. No Deal. Hard Border. Back Stop. Subsidies. Chaos. Confusion. Lack of Communication. Feelings of Social Isolation. Are you worried about how Brexit will affect your livelihood, business or future? Are you self-employed, work in the food or manufacturing industry or are you worried about your family farm?
Jacquie, director of Ballymena Samaritans said “Everyone faces challenges throughout their life. Each time we face a new challenge, we can learn from our mistakes and become a little bit wiser and stronger. You may not want to worry your family or friends about the stress you are under so you bottle things up inside, making yourself ill or depressed. Seeking help and support is a sign of strength. It may be easier to speak to a Samaritan volunteer, someone you don’t know. Samaritan volunteers are trained to listen without judging and will support you as you work through your feelings and the challenges you are facing. You do not have to give your name. Whenever you need support, even in the middle of the night, a volunteer will be available to listen in total confidentiality. Contact us on 116123 or e-mail [email protected] . Samaritans always treat you with respect and understanding. We don’t tell you what to do but give you space to work through all your options.”
Suicide can be a taboo topic. Suicide can still be seen as a stigma. Not talked about. Often, people feeling suicidal don’t want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don’t discuss it.
But by talking directly about feelings of suicide you give yourself permission to tell someone else how you feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it is to be able to talk about what they're experiencing.
Once someone starts talking they’ve got a better chance of exploring other options to suicide.
Jacquie continued “Evidence shows that asking someone if they're suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to, and hopefully less trapped. Their feelings are validated, and they know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life. There is no shame in asking for help. Samaritans’ volunteers provide a safe place for anyone to talk. We understand that it can be difficult to open up and will give you the time you need so if you are unable to talk at the first contact we will understand. You do not have to be suicidal when you call – Samaritans aim is to prevent death by suicide.”
The Grassmen recently supported Samaritans of Ballymena Spring Tractor Run event on 13 April 2019 at the Farmers’ Market in Ballymena. This event gave Samaritans an opportunity to remind members of the farming and rural community of the support offered to them by the organisation.
Samaritans branches also have very strong outreach teams, going out to schools, clubs, in fact any organisation that invites Samaritans to come and talk about the work we do.
If you would like to find out more about the service provided by Samaritans or if you would like a representative to come to your group, church or school please get in touch. Talks are tailored to suit different groups and ages. Contact your local branch for more information. Visit www.samaritans.org to find your local branch.
Throughout the United Kingdom there are over 200 branches and at present we have over 20,000 active volunteers. Samaritans can be contacted in confidence, 24 hours a day on 116123 or e-mail [email protected].