“Christmas for many is a time of joy, happiness, family and friends. For others, the opposite is true and the Christmas spirit only exacerbates feelings of loneliness as well anxieties and fears.” The Swindon & District Samaritans Volunteer Branch Director highlighted the other side of what can happen at Christmas, whilst explaining that this is why volunteers at Swindon and District Samaritans will be giving up their time this Christmas to be there for those that need it most. They added: “Our volunteer listeners are always here all year round, day and night, providing a safe space for people who are struggling which includes being there this Christmas.”
Samaritans prevents suicide through the power of human connection. Last year, in the UK they answered more than 3 million calls for help. Every 90 minutes someone in the UK dies by suicide. It’s the leading cause of death of people under 35 and middle-aged men.
But Samaritans need our help as well. Our local Samaritans branch is encouraging even more people to break the silence around suicide by donating to Swindon & District Samaritans, so we can be there to listen to anyone who is struggling.
They know that one in four of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our life so every bit of help, every donation made can make a difference.
A caller to Samaritans, Layla, described the difference a call made: “When I first called Samaritans, I was in a pit I couldn’t climb out of. But Samaritans is like a lifeline: it’s that phone a friend on a game show, when you’re stuck and feel like you’re out of options. I felt that conversation walked me off a big ledge. They seemed to know what I needed in that moment. They helped me see the bigger picture.”
As we approach the festive period, our volunteers will be here throughout for anyone who is struggling, who may be feeling lonely and isolated. A pair of novelty socks won’t save a life but listening can make a huge difference.
To make a donation to the Swindon & District Samaritans team click here.
To find out more about Swindon & District Samaritans Volunteer Branch visit the website here
Samaritans – here every hour, of every day, for every life:
If you need help, call this number: 116 123
Or e-mail: jo@samaritans.org
November weather in Marlborough – a topsy-turvy mix of conditions
