The 24th of July - '24/7' - is a key day of the year for Oxford Samaritans. A chance to share the message that volunteers are available to listen, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
‘Talk To Us’ aims to raise awareness of Oxford Samaritans' round-the-clock emotional support services and to encourage people to get in touch if they need support.
Oxford Samaritans has continued to provide emotional support throughout the pandemic, answering around 2,000 calls every month, at a time when listening to others has never been more important.
Our volunteers have been working day and night to be there for anyone who is struggling in these uncertain and challenging times.
Matt, Oxford Director
Since lockdown in March, Samaritans volunteers suggest that one in three callers talk about coronavirus with many people feeling more anxious and distressed than before the pandemic. Volunteer surveys which gathered over 3,000 responses, also found the most common concerns related to coronavirus are around loneliness, isolation, mental health and illness, family, finances and unemployment.
Oxford's Branch Director, Matt 1651, said: “Our volunteers have been working day and night to be there for anyone who is struggling in these uncertain and challenging times. Lockdown restrictions have had a huge impact on everyday life for many people, as we’ve been hearing over the past few months, and our volunteers have been a much-needed source of support for those whose networks haven’t been available during the pandemic.
“Our outreach work and fundraising activity remains on hold across the country until further notice, but we hope that the public can continue to support us in any way they can, to ensure that our volunteers can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or you can email [email protected].
The local Oxford community have been showing their support, with many local people taking part in our virtual event Samarathon. Oxford Samaritans are also inviting local companies to support and we are always grateful for the people of Oxford taking an interest in our work, more can be discovered throughout the pages of this website.
Samaritans is marking 24/7 across the UK and Ireland as one of the most important day in the organisation’s calendar. Spreading the message that volunteers are available to listen to anyone who is struggling –day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.