A Warrington-based listening service is appealing for donations from local residents to help ensure its volunteers can continue to support people struggling to cope throughout the Coronavirus crisis.
Following Government’s confirmation that Samaritans volunteers are critical to supporting vulnerable people, Warrington, Halton and St Helens Samaritans is continuing to operate by providing phone and email support to hundreds of people each day. Anyone can call the organisation for free on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the branch, which is entirely volunteer-led and has now been in existence for 50 years, has had to cancel planned events, including fundraising and outreach and in line with social distancing measures, has indefinitely postponed its newest intake of trainee listeners from getting started. To help the branch remain open, a ‘Still Here for Everyone’ fundraising campaign has been launched.
Branch director, Linda Morris, said: “At this very difficult time many people are experiencing uncertainty and high feelings of anxiety and distress so our service really is critical, and we’ll continue to operate for as long as we can. Everyone who gets in touch can talk to us whenever they like, in their own way, off the record, about whatever’s getting to them. They could be someone you know, friends or family in urgent need but unable to talk to anyone in the middle of the night.
“At the heart of what we do, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide and right now our service is needed more than ever so we urgently need financial support from businesses, groups and individuals throughout Warrington, Halton and St Helens so that we can continue our lifesaving work.”
As well as answering calls and responding to emails, the Samaritans branch is also providing support to health and social care professionals struggling with the demands on them at this current time.
To donate to the Samaritans of Warrington, Halton and St Helens ‘Still Here for Everyone’ campaign, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/samaritanswhsh
