To support mental health and destigmatise help-seeking behaviour, Samaritans has worked with Balfour Beatty to place three stencils designed by primary school children
In a collaborative effort to support mental health and destigmatise help-seeking behaviour, Samaritans has worked with Balfour Beatty to place three stencils across Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and Hartlepool. Balfour Beatty has generously donated £3,300 to fund this vital initiative.
The stencils include artwork which is made up from drawings created by Year 4 Pupils at Normanby Primary School.
The stencils will be placed:
- Near the White Bridge, close to James Cook University Hospital.
- Station Road, on the lead up to Thornaby Train Station.
- On the Seaton Carew Promenade.
These stencils are part of Balfour Beatty’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, as outlined in their sustainability focus areas.
The installations coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18th May), highlighting the importance of reaching out for help and support. The placement of the stencils intends to generate conversations about mental health awareness, and the value of talking to your friends and family about how you’re feeling.
This initiative signposts to Samaritans, a registered charity dedicated to providing emotional support to those struggling to cope who can be contacted confidentially for free on 116 123. Samaritans’ 23,000 volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to lend a listening ear and non-judgemental safe space so no-one has to face their challenges alone.
The collaboration between Samaritans, Balfour Beatty and the local community exemplifies a coordinated effort to prioritise mental health and community wellbeing.
Normanby Primary School commented: “We're proud to have been involved in the project as it's such a worthwhile cause and we know how powerful images can be. Our children's beautiful, positive and uplifting artwork will certainly stop people in their tracks!”
Dave Brown, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans said: "It's been a real privilege to work alongside Balfour Beatty and the local community on this project. Sometimes it's the simplest things that can spark a conversation and remind people it's okay to talk about how they're feeling. We hope this will start conversations around mental health and remind people that support is always available if you’re struggling.”
Councillor Jan Ryles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, said: “It’s vital that we take every opportunity to signpost those in crisis to the support that’s there for them.
“This worthwhile initiative from Balfour Beatty and the Samaritans really does have the potential to save lives, with all the benefits that can bring for families, friends and communities.
“A simple phone call can make all the difference, letting those at risk know that help is at hand.”
Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: "We fully support this innovative scheme and would like to thank Balfour Beatty and Samaritans for choosing the promenade at Seaton Carew as the location of one of the stencils.
"As a local authority, we are involved in a range of initiatives to support people across the Borough of Hartlepool with their mental health and to tackle barriers which prevent some people from seeking help, so anything that supports our ongoing commitment is to be welcomed."
Councillor Paul Rowling, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport, said: “Anyone can experience mental health issues and through this partnership with the Samaritans, Balfour Beatty are helping to raise awareness and remind people at their lowest ebb that help is on hand. This is one of the ways Balfour Beatty are showing their commitment to social value as part of their contracts for works that they have undertaken within Stockton-on-Tees. We’re really pleased to be part of this project, which will see the stencils applied on Station Road in Thornaby.”
Simon Kirtland, Portfolio Director from Balfour Beatty commented: “We’re honoured to stand alongside Samaritans to delivering this crucial initiative. These signs are more than just words on a bridge - they’re lifelines, offering hope and support to people when they need it most.
"At Balfour Beatty, we believe that building strong, resilient communities goes hand-in-hand with the infrastructure we create. Supporting mental health and wellbeing is a responsibility we take seriously, both on and off our projects.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
About Samaritans
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org
- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
- You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Balfour Beatty
- Balfour Beatty is dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing, a commitment that is reflected in their ongoing projects within the area, such as the Newport Bridge project (spanning Stockton-On-Tees and Middlesbrough) and the Artificial Nesting Structures project in Hartlepool.