Coronation Street is to highlight the issues of mental health and the impact of loneliness in older people when soap icon Audrey Roberts confides in her friends that she tried to take her own life. Viewers saw Audrey receiving treatment in hospital last month, telling a doctor that she had accidentally taken too many tablets.
This week the 82-year-old retired hair stylist continues to insist that was the case to her own GP. But in emotional scenes screened on Monday August 15 Audrey confides in Roy Cropper, Rita Tanner, Claudia and Ken Barlow that the overdose was in fact a suicide attempt.
The group of friends gather for a belated birthday lunch at a local hotel and are stunned when Audrey tells them that she tried to make an attempt on her life three weeks ago. But a neighbour posting a leaflet had spotted her and called an ambulance.
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As the pals try to come to terms with the shock revelation they ask her what led to the suicide attempt, confessing their guilt at not spotting the signs that their friend was struggling. Audrey admits that she had kept her feelings hidden and has not even told her family about what happened.
As the group discusses the problems that growing older can bring she explains that she misses her late husband Alfie and that she had been feeling useless and depressed, turning to drink after suffering with her eyesight deteriorating. Audrey says: “I just seemed to spiral downwards. I'd toss and turn all night, then finally drop off just when I should be up and at 'em. Seizing the day. Huh! Spend the afternoons on the sauvignon blanc, wondering exactly what I'm good for?”
Sue Nicholls, who has played Audrey since 1979, explains: “Audrey is very sorry for what she has done and certainly her first reaction was to keep it from her family. Family do, and will always, mean so much to her despite the sniping now and again.
“She also enjoys and is grateful for being independent and living happily in her own home although the one big regret that has contributed to this latest situation is a wish that dear Alfie was still alive and there with her so that they could have grown old and equally doddery together. Her family, busy with their own lives, see her down and upset moments as her not being able to cope with the real world and she feels they have started treating her a bit like a child and she started to feel depressed. She is mostly very healthy and together but her depression seemed to take over totally."
She continued: "Once she was able to speak with her friends, and they then opened up about their struggles, she realised how much they had helped her immensely regarding her problems. Dr Gaddas prescribed her antidepressants but yet again her stubbornness kicks in and she doesn’t take them. Luckily talking to her long standing friends they persuade her to take the doctor’s advice and she thanks them sincerely for making life seem lighter in every way."
Sue added: "Now that is the message that I want people to take away from this storyline, the importance of being able to talk to people you trust about how you feel. Sometimes the young generation might think that anyone over 70 isn’t capable of making decisions which in turn can make older people lose their sense of purpose and begin to feel quite useless.
“I am lucky enough to work with people of every age. I have no idea how old many of them are nor do I need to know. I enjoy speaking with them and taking on board what they say about issues we discuss irrespective of what age we all are.
"So I’d like to say 'Listen Audrey, I'm still learning about life at 79 and I truly hope to continue'. I do hope this storyline helps older people reach out and start talking about how they feel and for younger people to be aware of how much the older generation still has to offer.”
This powerful storyline coincides with the latest campaign under ITV’s mental health initiative Britain Get Talking which aims to encourage people to take action to look after mental health through connecting with others, with a current focus on anxiety among young people. Since Britain Get Talking began in 2019, it has prompted over 100 million new or more meaningful conversations among ITV audiences.
Jacqui Morrissey, assistant director of research and Influencing at the Samaritans, said: “The reasons for suicide are complex and very rarely down to one issue, which Audrey’s story has really captured. Our listening volunteers hear lots of mentions of loneliness and isolation, which can affect anyone at any time.
“As the last few years have been incredibly challenging, many Coronation Street fans may have found themselves struggling at times, so it’s crucial that people remember support is available, and feel able to reach out if they are finding life difficult. Talking about the problems you’re facing can make a massive difference, whether that’s with a close friend, family member or support line. Samaritans can be contacted 24/7, free, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org ”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “This heart-breaking storyline carries an important message for all those Coronation Street viewers who are facing similar struggles to Audrey, and indeed for their families and friends too. Audrey may be a fictional character, but sadly we know that her situation is reflected in the real life difficulties a fair few people go through as they get older.
“Ageing can certainly bring its challenges, including a greater likelihood of experiencing loneliness and ill health. These and other adversities can then damage older people’s resilience, wellbeing and morale. Loneliness is a serious problem for many, with loved ones passing away, mobility and health issues preventing them from getting out and about as much as they would like, not to mention the rapid increase in the cost of living. All these things make it hard for millions of older people to go out and enjoy the company of others, undermining their mental health."
She added: “We’d encourage everybody who can to reach out to the older people in their lives, whether that’s by volunteering through Age UK or just popping in to their older relatives, friends and neighbours for a brew, calling up for a chat, helping with any errands and just generally being there for them.
"Age UK is here too with our free and confidential Advice Line, open 365 days a year, which provides friendly and expert guidance on the issues affecting older people including managing finances, health conditions and loneliness. We also have our Telephone Friendship Service, described as a lifeline by many, which provides older people who are feeling lonely with a regular chat over the phone with one of our trained volunteers.
“Anyone who needs support, is worried about an older relative or friend, or wants to find out more about Age UK’s services can get in touch by calling Age UK Advice free of charge on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm), or they can visit www.ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat can call our subsidiary charity, The Silver Line free, day or night, on 0800 4 70 80 90."
And Caroline said: "Since the pandemic Age UK has been inundated with requests for our Telephone Friendship Service and we need volunteers now more than ever before. Volunteering for the service is a safe and easy way to gain a new friend while at the same time making a huge a difference to an older person’s life. To register, visit friendship.ageuk.org.uk ”
The Office for National Statistics show that around 1.2 million older people across the UK often feel lonely. According to the latest data extracted by Age UK of people over 65 in the UK over half a million experience anxiety disorder, just under half a million experience a major depressive disorder and just under 200,000 experience chronic depressive disorder.
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