Burnley FC backs Samaritans' We Listen campaign
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Players from both teams will warm up for the game in the charity’s distinctive green t-shirts and volunteers from the local branch of Samaritans will be on hand in the Fan Zone and around the ground to talk about their life-saving work and collect donations.
Burnley players will appear in a special video to promote the day and guests in the 1882 Lounge will be joined by VIPs including former Claret Clarke Carlisle. An online auction to mark the occasion will include a chance to bid for an exclusive behind the scenes trip to cult Sky Sports show Soccer AM.
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Hide AdThis is the second consecutive season that Burnley FC has helped promote Samaritans’ confidential support services. Last year the focus was on the charity's new free to call helpline number, 116 123. This year it’s highlighting Samaritans' ‘We Listen’ campaign, which encourages anyone going through a tough time to reach out for help before they reach a crisis.
Samaritans volunteer Ian Hartley is the Director of the Pendle, Burnley, Craven and Rossendale branch: “Burnley is a community club and our branch is very much part of that community. Last year’s event encouraged people who may not have known about the support we offer to contact us. Our volunteers listen, in confidence, without judging. Whether it’s work, family, relationships, health, money or anything else, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Life can be tough, anyone can feel overwhelmed and it’s a strength, not a weakness, to reach out for help.”
More than 6,000 people die by suicide in the UK every year. Around three-quarters of those are men, with middle-aged men from poorer backgrounds being ten times more likely to take their own lives than men of the same age from wealthier backgrounds.
Whatever you’re going through, anyone can contact Samaritans for free from any phone on 116 123. This number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill. You can also email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.