UK mobile network Three UK has announced a three-year partnership with the Samaritans charity to connect 1 million people to emotional support. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the UK population’s mental health as Samaritans reports that over a fifth of the calls to its helpline have referenced coronavirus in the past year, and Samaritans’ volunteers indicate that the pandemic has affected all callers in some way.

Three UK is partnering with Samaritans to address these challenges, leveraging its technology, retail stores and expertise to help more people access emotional support.

Over the next three years, Three UK and Samaritans will expand support services, powered by Three’s network and technology, along with bespoke training, resources and fundraising initiatives to support the wellbeing of the UK population.  Three UK said it will reveal more details on the specific areas in which it will support the charity later in the year.

The partnership will extend the support that Samaritans already provides to people across the country. The dedication of Samaritans volunteers has enabled the charity to maintain its 24/7 service since the start of lockdown, with volunteers clocking up almost one million hours listening to those who are struggling to cope during the pandemic. 

“The last 12 months has challenged everyone’s resilience, and we’re proud to be there for anyone struggling to cope,” said Samaritans CEO, Julie Bentley. “Our partnership with Three UK will help Samaritans to meet new and evolving demands for support as we emerge from these uncertain times and focus on the long-term impact of the pandemic on the nation’s wellbeing.”