As Volunteers’ Week draws to a close, during a particularly difficult time for many in out community, it seems fitting that we hear from Southport & District Samaritans, who provide a listening ear to so many.
“Southport & District Samaritans are based at 32, Union Street, Southport. Currently, we have approximately 80 trained volunteers although, due to the difficulties of Covid 19, the number of volunteers available for duty in the Centre at present is lower. Despite this, we are operating as usual, either by free phone (116123) or by email jo@samaritans.org.
“In the time period between January, 2019 and the current date, we have completed a total of 4,056 shifts in the Centre and a further 124 shifts by our Prison Team making 4180 shifts in total. As an approximation, these equate to 34,000 hours of volunteer time, not including training, meetings and mentoring.
“In addition to this, the Branch has worked within the local community through our links with Network Rail/Merseyrail, local schools and colleges, other local groups and mainlining links and cooperation with Sefton CVS.
“The current coronavirus pandemic has meant that we have had to amend how we work. Most outreach work has had to be suspended as has our Face to Face facility. It is due solely to the commitment of our volunteers that the branch has remained fully operational.”
