We now have an additional phone line which will increase the capacity to take calls.
The third phone line has been installed for a while, but it could not be operational because of social distancing in the Duty Room.
Grant assistance from the National Lottery Community Fund and from the Pears Foundation/DCMS Community Fund has paid for the phone line, office furniture, screens and soundproofing.
Samaritan volunteers must go into their branch to take calls in order to have the support of their team. The Branch has kept the service open during the pandemic. There are 100 volunteers in the branch based in Heaton Moor. Last year they took 16,655 calls for help.
Volunteers take their turns at unsocial shifts. To ensure a consistent service a new group of volunteers who will focus on overnight callers have been recruited.
To contact Samaritans ring 116 123 or email [email protected]. Calls are free and don’t appear on the phone bill.
Unfortunately, face to face visits are not yet available due to COVID restrictions.