My Associations

Samaritans

“I decided to join Samaritans for a number of reasons but mainly because of something I’d experienced in 2018 with my clients. I mentor people in business on relationships in the workplace.  I noticed my mentees were suffering from more stress and or anxiety than ever and this was causing them to question their abilities. My mentees vary from entrepreneurs, business owners, senior management teams to junior members of staff. They found just by talking to me their stress levels decreased and I realised that without my help they may have suffered in silience. There  are many people suffering out there in silence, so in January 2019 I started Samaritans’ training. It was the best training I’ve ever had. We started slow, talking about how we would handle a particular scenario. Then they would break it down and show us how it should be handled from a Samaritan stance. Subtly, each week the listening skills and responses to situations were built up so that by the end of the 10-week course, you have role-played every scenario.

The training improved my listening skills; I learned the difference between sympathy and empathy (having thought I was already very empathetic, I learned how much I could still improve!); and crucially, how to spot someone who is struggling.

Some of these were key phrases “I’m scared, I’m lonely, I’m suicidal, I can’t cope, I don’t think people like me” –  instead of saying something like “that’s terrible” and give advice, I now know how to respond and ask them to express their feelings. When it came time to take my first call, I felt completely prepared. I now relish my fortnightly shift: for four hours, I don’t think of myself once.”

Watford Observer October 11, 2019

Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

To find out more about volunteering, email swhrecruitment@outlook.com

BIGTOP PR

BIGTOP is an independent communications agency with decades of experience in creating game-changing campaigns.

Client Matters works with BIGTOP across all PR, communications and social media activity. From creating engaging content to securing stand-out coverage in top publications like The Guardian, Metro and Stylist.  BIGTOP has also provided consultation on Client Matters’ social media presence and ongoing communications strategy.

To find out more go to  http://www.bigtop-pr.co.uk

Men’s Radio Station

I’ll be launching my new show, Business Culture, on Men’s Radio Station starting in February. You can catch the first broadcast on the 6th of February at Midday. On my show ‘Business Culture’ we will be talking with guests about mental health and well-being in the workplace. You don’t change culture through e-mails and texts, you change it through relationships. One conversation at a time.

So join me, Alex Lichtenfeld, on my show ‘Business Culture’ starting 6th February. Mental health and well-being in the workplace starts with talking.