Samaritans - 24:7

Samaritans national fundraising and awareness day is on 24 July.
24:7 is aimed at highlighting the charity's round-the-clock availability to people seeking emotional support.

24:7 - Cardiff Samaritans Day of Action Saturday 24th July, 2010 .



Cardiff Bus kindly picked up a half-dozen volunteers outside the centre in Cowbridge road east, Canton, to make the short trip to Working street, in the middle of the city centre. We were able to utilize this local company, who had loaned us a bus for the day, to offer a distinctive physical presence in amidst a busy thoroughfare.

We began decking out both the interior and exterior of the snazzy, new bus with Samaritans branding: namely posters/ banners and balloons. We also brought with us a number of pre-packed bags containing literature and branded gifts which were handed out to members of the public throughout the day. It was a day full of genuine intrigue with volunteers meeting and chatting with a huge diversity of people, of whom in many ways mirrored the backgrounds of the Samaritans themselves.

The sight of a double-decker bus in a pedestrianised area caused quite some interest [with some slightly confused individuals thinking we were representing the bus company; this in spite of all of us bedecked in bright green Samaritans t-shirts!] As time flew by, some volunteers departed and others arrived to continue to help out as lunchtime came. But most of us stayed for the whole day's event. Despite not being allowed to actively seek donations, many people freely stopped to put coins and some notes into the collection boxes perched on a table at the front of the bus. Only then did some reveal how Samaritans had directly touched their lives, either directly or indirectly. For some, especially those not originally from the city, they asked us what we were doing there and just what it was that Samaritans offered. This was embraced by the volunteers in attendance; all of whom did a sterling job in reiterating just what we offer. A great deal of information was given out verbally as well as via leaflets/ cards (especially the eye-catching ones made to look like a mobile phone) proving popular. For some, especially those not originally from the city, they asked us what we were doing there and just what it was that Samaritans offered. This was embraced by the volunteers in attendance; all of whom did a sterling job in reiterating just what we offer. A great deal of information was given out verbally as well as via leaflets/ cards (especially the eye-catching ones made to look like a mobile phone) proving popular.

Also making an appearance was Michael, one of our volunteers who completed a sponsored bike ride from Bridgend to Cardiff [some 20+ miles] and raised over £200. He also stayed around and helped promote the Samaritans by speaking directly to many people. His endeavours received a mentioned too on Real Radio, a station heard throughout the Wales region. In all, over a hundred pounds was donated on the day and in those immediately following the 24:7 event, the Cardiff branch was visited directly as a result of people seeing us out on the previous weekend. So this kind of direct action clearly works. A big thank you to everyone who helped out on the day and also to Cardiff Bus for their support..

You can view all the 24:7 events taking place and get involved by visiting the 24:7 website:

www.samaritans247.org

Help Samaritans continue their vital emotional support, round-the-clock, by phone, e-mail, letter and face to face.

“The emotional support, that is so tirelessly and so selflessly provided by Samaritans volunteers up and down the country twenty-four hours a day, lies at the very heart of all that the organisation is known and respected for. Without this emotional support, there are many who would not be able to face the prospect of tomorrow.”
HRH Prince of Wales

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