News

Keeping abreast of the Samaritan led campaign “Call to Action” Jeremy Browne MP Taunton Deane visits Taunton Samaritans centre in Wood Street where he is introduced to Betty who at 91 still volunteers regularly listening and has no problem with modern technology answering emails an every growing part of our emotional support work.

Taunton and Somerset Samaritan branch we would like to thank all the customers and staff for their generosity during our collection days on the 27 and 28th of April at Sainsbuty’s Taunton Hankridge. Little did we know when we were allocated the collecting dates a year ago a tragic death of a young person 150 miles away would somehow benefit the Samaritan branch here in rural Somerset. It would have been disappointing to forego the collection and that after careful consideration we went ahead.

The more than generous donations (amounting to £961) was we feel a large part a tribute to one person and her desire to help all Samaritan volunteers everywhere. Our local branch has no boundaries to the support we offer. In the same way that those who gave know that the money we have to raise is not limited to one county or region.

Every call this branch responses to costs us just one pound. Not a great sum but if we say that we received 35000 contacts last year it does put a different perspective on the sums involved. This year 2012 is also set to be at least in the same order of magnitude.

Running our branch costs about £100 every day (£35000 a year). This is a bargain price for the 24 hour 365 day emotion help service offered uniquely by Samaritan volunteers. We thank you on behalf of the 20665 or so national volunteers who sit at the phones up and down the country day and night awaiting a call.

Here in Taunton we seek new members and if you would like to find out more about us we have open evenings on the first Thursday every month at the centre in Taunton. Come and pay us a visit next time. Park in Wood St car park and call in to 16 Wood St.