
Newcastle Falcons to support Samaritans at Kingston Park season finale
This year [Mental Health Awareness Week][1], organised by the Mental Health Foundation, focuses on ‘loneliness’ and its huge impact on mental health, especially during – and post – pandemic.
Newcastle Falcons will be supporting [Samaritans][2] with a matchday takeover to raise vital funds for the charity and raise awareness of the emotional support available to anyone who is struggling to cope and the importance of reaching out for help, as well as ensure the charity can continue to support people in finding ways to cope.
Commenting on the partnership between Newcastle Falcons and the Samaritans, Kate Hindhaugh, Communications Director at Newcastle Rugby said: “The Samaritans do great work to support anyone in need of emotional support 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
“The pandemic has been a challenging time for many people and given the impact it has also had on our sport, those working within it and those supporting it we wanted to take the opportunity to support the fundraising efforts for the Samaritans to help contribute towards the continued provision of what is a vital service.”
Join us and show your support for Samaritans by donating **[HERE][3]** or **text SAMARITANS to 70480 to donate £5** – texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate. There will also opportunities to donate to the Samaritans on match-day as well as the chance to win a signed 22-23 Falcons away shirt.
Speaking on the support of Newcastle Falcons, Matt Lock, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Samaritans said: “Thank you to Newcastle Falcons for supporting Samaritans with an amazing match day takeover.
“Every 10 seconds, Samaritans respond to a call for help. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of our incredible supporters, we can continue to be there for people facing their darkest hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Together we can make change that saves lives.”
If you or anyone you know might be struggling, Samaritans is there to listen. Offering no judgement and a space for people to be themselves, call for free on 116 123, 24/7, 365 days a year – or visit samaritans.org for online self-help tools and information.
Channique, from Manchester, who has been a listening volunteer for Samaritans for three years, said: “Loneliness is a normal human feeling, but if these feelings persist, it can make you feel disconnected from those around you and affect your mental wellbeing. I frequently hear just how challenging it can be during my shifts. “Most of us will feel lonely at some point in our lives. You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely. There’s no shame in recognising feelings of loneliness – or seeking support if you are struggling.”
[1]: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week#:~:text=The%20event%20has%20grown%20to,on%20the%20topic%20of%20Loneliness.
[2]: https://www.samaritans.org/
[3]: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/newcastlefalcons1