Celebrating one year in partnership with Samaritans this Mental Health Awareness Week

Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week and also the one year of Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT) in partnership with mental health charity, Samaritans.

In the 12 months since ACT committed its support to Samaritans, together with our colleagues we have raised an incredible £95,000 towards the charity’s mission to save lives by making sure there’s someone there for anyone who needs help when it matters most.

£95,000 is the equivalent of more than 18,000 calls to Samaritan’s dedicated 24-hour helpline to help anyone experiencing emotional distress or at risk of suicide – which makes all the difference to a service that receives a call every 10 seconds.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme being loneliness, highlights the importance of listening, which is exactly what Samaritans provides through their helpline service to those struggling to cope.

A message from Samaritans CEO, Julie Bentley

“As we mark the first year of our partnership together, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of Ardonagh for raising an absolutely phenomenal amount. The funds you’ve raised this year means that we’re able to continue to be there for people struggling to cope, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Your support will have a long-lasting impact on Samaritans, as we work towards a world that’s safer for everyone. From everyone at Samaritans, thank you for an incredible first year. Together, we can make change that saves lives.” Julie Bentley, CEO Samaritans

Thank you to every colleague across the Group who has helped to achieve this! Here’s just some of the ways we got there…

Fundraising highlights

Samaritans auction

We began our partnership in May 2021 raising a brilliant £12,000 through an auction, with colleagues bidding to win more than 40 fantastic prizes.

Ride 4 Life

Last August, a two-wheeled team of Ardonagh colleagues raised a staggering £25,000 when they rode over 200 miles from Doncaster to London.

Bravo Networks Conference

In March this year, colleagues from across Bravo Networks raised £5000 in a single evening at their conference.

Ardonagh Specialty Tough Mudder

Just last month a team of Specialty colleagues took on the 10K obstacle course to raise over £1500.

Looking ahead in 2022

We’re continuing to build on our successes to further strengthen our partnership and smash our goal of raising £100,000 for Samaritans by the end of the year.

Whether that’s taking part in Samaritans’ Mental Health Awareness Week raffle, sponsoring the amazing Ride4Life team in August, or coming up with a fantastic fundraising idea during Give Back Week in December – our colleagues across the Group will have plenty more opportunity to get involved over the months ahead.

Through support from ACT and our colleagues Samaritans and its volunteers can continue to be there for anyone who needs someone, now and in the future. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the charity!

Further support

Samaritans is available day or night across the UK and Ireland, for anyone who is struggling to cope or just needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

• By phone: call 116 123 any time, from any phone for free
• By email: contact jo@samaritans.org