The Samaritans - Swansea

Swansea@50

On Saturday 12th November, 2011 volunteers took to the streets of Swansea and walked 50 miles.

Setting off at 15 minute intervals, volunteers, along with family and friends, walked a 2 mile circuit through the main shopping area and back along the sea front to the beginning.

By the end of the day 50 cupcakes had been eaten, hundreds of balloons had been blown up and handed out, the circuit had been covered 25 times and 50 miles had been achieved. Oh and the sun shone all day too!

What a wonderful way to thank the public for their support and celebrate 50 years of listening.

 

 

Celebrating 50 Years of Listening at Swansea Branch

Swansea Samaritans was the first branch to open in Wales, in 1961.

The demand for ‘a listening ear’ was such that in 1966 the branch campaigned for more volunteers.

50 years later, the services offered to support those who are distressed, despairing or suicidal have expanded and now include contact by telephone, email, SMS and face-to-face meetings. 

50 years of listening at Swansea

 

20 years Prison Listeners Scheme in H.M.P. Swansea

The Prison Listening Scheme was introduced in H.M.P. Swansea in 1991.

The scheme involves Samaritans training selected inmates, called ‘listeners’, so they can support other inmates who are in distress or suicidal.

Samaritans meet with the listeners weekly to offer support and ongoing training when necessary. 

 

Outreach

The branch runs several outreach programmes, visiting schools and local community groups giving talks about emotional health and wellbeing. They also work to raise awareness of their services by attending local events.

Eisteddfod 2011

The Samaritan outreach vehicle is equipped to enable volunteers to talk to those in need confidentially. One of the vehicle’s key benefits is the opportunity to respond quickly to support communities directly affected by suicide.

Fundraising & Donations

Situated in the Uplands, the Samaritans Charity Shop was opened in April 2002.

Run by a small group of dedicated volunteers the shop accepts donations of clothes, books, bric-a-brac, games etc. I

f you are interested in volunteering in the shop please telephone: 01792 510954.

Each Samaritan Branch is self funding and the money made in the Shop, other fundraising events and personal donations are vital to maintain the services currently provided.

If you wish to make a personal donation please send it to: Swansea Samaritans. 17 St. John’s Road, Manselton. Swansea. SA5 8PR. Telephone Number: 01792 655991.

Volunteering

If you would like to join our happy and diverse team please email jacquelinesams@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01792 655991. Open evenings are held several times a year where volunteers will explain about training, commitment etc.

Working in Partnership

Recently, Network Rail has launched a new initiative to reduce levels of suicide.

Working in partnership with Samaritans, volunteers attend Network Rail premises raising awareness of the need for good emotional health, conducting fact-to-face meetings when required and supporting Network Rail staff at appropriate times.