People often steer clear of people in distress. They're scared of saying the wrong thing, or getting into a situation they can’t handle.
This can make a person in distress feel more isolated and rejected often making their problems seem a lot worse.
We want to show people that they can ease someone else's desperation.
Our aim is to create a first aid kit where people can get simple, practical advice on how to help someone in emotional or mental distress.
David's Story
When David’s friend Sue became depressed last year, he felt totally useless.
“She looked really dreadful - I could tell something was seriously wrong, but I just kept thinking: ‘I’m not qualified to deal with this’. I didn’t know what to do, so I did nothing.”
Sue ended up trying to take her own life. David knew it wasn’t his fault, but he has spent many months since feeling worried and ashamed that he didn’t act.
Our information will be accessible online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we will also be making it available through media awareness campaigns and leaflets in workplaces, GP surgeries, shops and cafes.
Just like first aid for physical health, people can offer immediate care or first aid, which is easy to learn and effective.
By telling people how to offer this sort of help, we will ensure fewer people have to go through the frightening experience of a mental health crisis on their own.
By making a donation to this project, you are helping friends, family and colleagues of people in crisis learn how to support those close to them.
For someone in distress, this could not only end their isolation and stop things getting worse, it could even save their life.
You can help
Support us to give people the help they really need to support someone at a crucial time.
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Tell us what has or would have helped you in times of mental distress in the forum below
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