"Wales has the potential to become a nation of great listeners" says charity
Samaritans Cymru are launching a new campaign encouraging people to be better listeners.
Samaritans Cymru has launched a new campaign, #OpenUpListenUp, to tackle, what they call, 'the long-standing myth that men don't open up about their emotions".
The campaign, unveiled on World Suicide Prevention Day, aims to encourage men in Wales to seek support by focusing on the quality of the listener they deserve when facing emotional struggles.
Neil Ingham, the Executive Director of Samaritans Wales, explained that the campaign isn’t about telling men how to express their emotions, but rather ensuring that when they do, they are truly heard.
He emphasised the importance of men receiving empathetic and attentive listening when they choose to open up.
The campaign is designed to challenge stereotypes surrounding men’s emotional expression, recognising that while many men do talk about their feelings, they often aren't heard in the way they need.
It also seeks to encourage everyone to be better listeners, providing simple and effective listening tips to help support those around them.
The tips are accessible to everyone and don't require expertise, but they stress the importance of letting someone know they are not alone.
The launch of #OpenUpListenUp coincides with new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which shows that suicide rates in England and Wales are at their highest in over 20 years.
In Wales, men continue to account for a three-quarters of the suicides reported.
Neil Ingham called these figures “unacceptable,” urging the need for change in Wales.
He stated that while suicide is a preventable tragedy, it requires new approaches and increased efforts to address the crisis.
Samaritans Cymru believes that Wales can become a "nation of great listeners," where individuals facing distress are met with compassion and kindness.
The charity's goal is to help everyone in Wales, especially men, feel confident in opening up and secure in knowing they will be listened to with care.