High Peak residents urged to volunteer as Samaritans to help people during pandemic

Buxton and High Peak Samaritans has kicked off an advertising campaign this January to attract new local volunteers.

Branch director Jill Pearson said: “We want to ensure that the Buxton and High Peak branch continues to contribute to meeting the high caller demand in 2021.

"Samaritans is a critical service, needed now more than ever.

"Our dedicated volunteers are going above and beyond to be available for those in need during these unprecedented times, and we continue to operate our phone service from our branch.”

In the months of restrictions since March 2020, Samaritans volunteers across the country have provided emotional support more than 1.2 million times by phone, email, or letter.

One in five of these calls for help have been about coronavirus with people feeling concerned about issues like mental health and illness, family relationships, finance, unemployment, loneliness and isolation.

The more volunteers there are available to take calls, the better placed Samaritans will be to meet the need going forward.

Ms Pearson added: “Samaritans are just a bunch of ordinary people who care and try to help, simply by being there to listen and provide emotional support.

"Often that can be enough to help someone through a moment of crisis.

"And sometimes that can make an extraordinary difference to how someone’s life turns out.

"The work can be challenging emotionally, and that is why every Samaritan is trained, mentored and supported all the way.

"But volunteering is not for everyone, of course.”

Local residents can also help Buxton and High Peak Samaritans to be there for those who need emotional support by making a donation.

As little as £5 will help Samaritans answer a call for help from somebody struggling through the New Year period and beyond.

Ms Pearson added: ”Samaritans volunteers are always here to listen and will not judge or tell you what to do.”

Call free, day or night, on 0800 116 123.