One in every six calls made to Samaritans talked about financial worries, according to the 2013 annual survey. This compares with one in ten in 2008, shortly before the current recession began. These calls for help were across telephone, email, SMS and face to face meetings.
There has been a marked increase in the numbers of calls answered from men about financial worries, rising from one in eight in 2012 to one in six today. The survey saw a rise of 7 per cent to 44 per cent, compared with the 2012 figure of 37 per cent. Calls answered from women were down 7 per cent this year to 52 per cent.
Samaritans has launched a campaign aimed at reducing the high suicide levels among men in their middle years from lower socio-economic groups. A major piece of academic research, Men, Suicide and Society, looked at why these men are at greater risk of suicide.
The overall picture from the survey is very similar to last year. There was a slight decrease in the total numbers calling about financial concerns (one in 6.6 calls down from one in 6.4).
Just under quarter of the people who talked about financial worries (24 per cent, down from 26 per cent) specifically mentioned debt, a slight decrease on the previous year. There was a similar slight fall (34 per cent to 33 per cent) for those worried about employment.
A rise was seen in the numbers of calls answered about housing, which was mentioned by 31 per cent of those who talked about financial worries. This was up from 24 per cent in 2012 and is eight per cent more than those calling about concerns related to benefits.
Catherine Johnstone, Samaritans’ Chief Executive, said:
“It’s clear that despite an improvement in the economic outlook across the country, there are still many people who remain very worried about money, jobs and housing. We know that suicide increases during recessions and have been receiving many calls from those most affected by the economic fallout.
“As the nation’s listening ear, we’d like to remind people struggling to cope, that we will continue to be here for anybody who needs someone to listen to them.”
To mark Samaritans’ diamond year, the charity is asking people to help them be there for the next 60 years. Please text ‘SUPPORT’ to 70123* to make a £3 donation.
For more information about the work of Samaritans, please contact Samaritans’ press office on: 020 8394 8300 or email [email protected].
More information:
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The survey was taken between Sunday 17 November and Sunday 23 November 2013.
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A Samaritans’ spokesperson is available for interview, as are case studies of men who have called Samaritans about difficulties with employment and debt.
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Samaritans run courses for organisations in the private, public and third sectors to equip employees with the skills and confidence they need when coming into contact with vulnerable people: https://www.samaritans.org/your-community/workplace-training
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Samaritans’ comment on the link between suicide and economic status: https://www.samaritans.org/news/why-free-caller-service-important
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Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 08457 90 90 90 (UK) 1850 60 90 90 (ROI), email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.
