Last year, 224 Samaritans volunteers from Brighton, Hove and District branch answered 61,796 calls for help, according to the latest figures released by the national suicide prevention charity.
OVERALL, 21,007 volunteers responded to 5,331,295 calls for help in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The figures have been released to coincide with Volunteers’ Week, a national initiative that runs from June 1-7.
Samaritans’ volunteers are ordinary people, who dedicate time every week to provide a safe space for anyone struggling to cope with whatever life has thrown at them.
Volunteers from Brighton and Hove are also involved in outreach work, for example by supporting Listeners in Lewes prison, supporting the local bail hostel, by their presence at events such as Pride and Sick festivals, as well as their support of young adults through their schools work and local universities.
Daniel Cheesman, Director at Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans, welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the difference their volunteers make in their local community.
He said: “I’m so grateful to all of our volunteers at the Brighton, Hove and District branch. I want to thank them all for their commitment and hard work. It’s great to see how they support people in ways that work well for our callers, on the phone, via email or visiting us in branch. We know that people who are struggling benefit from having a real person to connect with, someone who is trained to listen to them.
“Samaritans wouldn’t exist without the dedication of our volunteers. As well as listening on the help line, there are lots of ways people can get involved with Samaritans, whether it’s fundraising, marketing, helping with admin or IT, or offering other valuable skills. We are always looking for new volunteers, so get in touch. In fact you can find us in the foyer of Jubilee Library all this week, where we are handing out volunteers form and give you further information on volunteering for Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans.”
‘Duncan’ has been a local volunteer at for over nine years. He explains the benefits of working for Samaritans, many of whose volunteers are ordinary people who perform this extraordinary service.
He said: “Volunteering with the Samaritans has given me a different outlook on life. I’ve met so many great people over the years, and developed so many skills that have been transferable to my work and to my everyday life. People call Samaritans for many reasons: loneliness and desperation being just two of them, and I often feel that by being there to listen, I might have helped.”
To find out more about volunteering for Samaritans telephone 08705 627282.
Or email: volunteering@samaritans.org for more information.
Samaritans support is available round the clock, every single day of the year. They provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.
For more information about Volunteers Week, click here:
For more information about Samaritans, click here:
ADT Healthcare is a free helpline for people affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The service is particularly helpful for family members affected by a loved one’s addiction.
Website: www.adt-healthcare.com
Tel: 0800 088 66 86
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