SLOUGH WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD SAMARITANS TO BE THERE FOR ANYONE STRUGGLING OR FEELING LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS
- · Branch issues reminder as new insights from Samaritans reveal people are worried about their wellbeing over the festive period
- · Volunteers in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead took 1,891 calls last December
- · They will be among around 1,500 volunteers expected to answer calls for help on Christmas Day.
Christmas will be a tough time for some even without a global pandemic to deal with, say Samaritans, as the charity’s latest research reveals that being separated from family and loved ones over the Christmas period is one of the biggest concerns facing callers.
New research with over 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers found around a quarter who took part in the survey (27%), have spoken to people who were feeling concerned about their wellbeing over Christmas and the winter period, over the past three months.
But volunteers at Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead will be there round-the-clock throughout December to make sure there’s someone there to listen to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling this festive season. Last year the branch took 1,891 calls over December.
Kathy Fabry, Branch Director, shared why it’s so important to make sure there’s someone there to listen throughout the festive season. She said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people, as it’s a time when loneliness can really hit home and that this might be heightened this year. Regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions, we want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and that we are there for everyone this Christmas.
“Every call for help is answered by a trained volunteer and talking to us is always free and confidential. Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline. If you can make a donation to support our work this festive season, you’ll be helping to ensure that we can be there to listen not just on Christmas but throughout the year.
“And if you find yourself struggling this Christmas, please remember you don’t have to face things alone. You can talk to us, day or night, on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected]”
Nationally last Christmas*, Samaritans, the only charity there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responded to over a quarter of a million calls for help** and over 10,000 calls for help came on Christmas Day alone.
Residents in the Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead area can help their local branch of Samaritans to be there for those who need emotional support this Christmas by making a donation, at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1012225&stop_mobi=yes As little as £5 will help volunteers answer a call for help from somebody struggling this Christmas.
* Christmas period refers to 1 December 2019 to 1 January 2020
** Statistics source: Samaritans, 2020