EALING, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans are backing a new national campaign to encourage people to open up about their struggles with mental health and suicidal feelings.

The winter campaign, #BreaktheSilence, has been launched by the national Samaritans charity. Every 90 minutes in the UK, someone dies by suicide. 

Heena Johnson, director of the Ealing-based group, said: “Winter can be a tough time for many and this year could be especially so as households brace themselves for higher bills.”

Volunteers will join more than 13,000 people from 200 other Samaritans branches who will be on duty around the clock over the festive season to answer calls for help.  

Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow branch is 50 years old this year. Many of the volunteers and their supporters will be taking part in a carol-singing fund-raiser on the evening of Tuesday, December 20, at Ealing Broadway station.

Heldiney is a Samaritans listening volunteer and previously contacted them for help. It made a huge impression on him and he trained to help others break their silence.

The charity is asking people to donate to keep Samaritans going for people to ring when they are ready to break their silence. A donation as small as £5 will help Samaritans volunteers answer a call for help from someone struggling this winter.

Visit //samaritans.org/silence for more information on the Samaritans Winter Appeal or //bit.ly/39G5zPk to give directly to Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans.