2023 marks 70 years since suicide prevention-charity Samaritans began operations. In the years since, they’ve listened to 134,000,000 calls for help, 3.2 million of which were in 2022!
Across seven decades of vital work, Samaritans’s commitment to offer people the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice has remained unwaveringly in place — to this day, whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.
The only thing that has changed is the extent of their infrastructure and the scope of their reach. There are now more than 200 Samaritans branches across the country — helping their volunteers respond to a call every ten seconds.
York’s branch on Nunnery Lane has been providing emotional support for the people of our city for the past 56 years. Last year their team of 130 volunteers worked around the clock answering 5000 hours worth of calls.
Hearing from Becky, one of York’s hard-working volunteers, helps explain how they work hard to break down the stigmatism that surrounds mental health. “People contact us with all sorts of concerns. You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, we’re here if you feel you need some extra support.”
David, York Branch Director, said, “We have a particularly exciting period ahead of us. As well as regular fund raising and awareness events, we look forward to Samaritans being the 2024 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123. To find out more about York Samaritans and how you can support the Branch’s work visit www.samaritans.org/branches/york/
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