Our West Highlands and Skye project aims to raise awareness of Samaritans services by engaging with local communities, employers and organisations to ensure that everyone is aware that help and support is available - wherever they are in the area.
The project aims to challenge the stigma associated with mental health and suicide through targeted awareness raising campaigns, increasing signposting to local and national support and delivering community and employer training.
Issues of isolation, access to health services and stigma can often make seeking help and support challenging in a rural area. Research conducted on behalf of Samaritans in 2017/18 exploring people’s lived experience in the Western Highlands found evidence of considerable stigma around mental health, as well as perpetuated local narratives about suicide.
Knowing how to access services and understanding the support they could provide were considered primary barriers to seeking help.
Working in collaboration with local partners, community groups, employers and organisations is a key element of the project and we would very much like to hear from you.
Please contact the West Highlands & Skye team at: [email protected]