Samaritans marks Volunteers’ Week by highlighting the difference emotional support can make.



This volunteers’ week (1-7 June) Samaritans in Southport & District branch are joining volunteer organisations across the UK to show how giving your time makes a huge difference to the lives of others.

Since September 2015, Samaritans has offered calls to its 116 123 number for free, removing any financial barrier to calling, with support from telecoms companies and the Big Lottery Fund. Last year, its volunteers made a difference by responding to more than 5.7 million calls for help, an increase of 300,000 on the previous year.

The numbers speak for themselves, more volunteers are needed, which is why Southport & District branch are holding an information evening at their branch on Sunday 4th June 7pm-8pm, 32 Union Street, Southport, for anyone who is interested in finding out any more about volunteering.

Samaritan volunteers in the Southport & District branch can also be found in local schools, colleges, workplaces, community events and at prisons. Volunteer Charlotte said: Volunteering with Samaritans has been the best thing I have ever done. I have also got to meet so many wonderful people, we are all so different yet have the same mission; that fewer people die by suicide. Michelle, another volunteer at the Southport branch added: "Everyone who volunteers has a common connection, to be there for other human beings."