When Festivals Get Too Much

With the Festival season in full swing, did you know that you can find Samaritans at Festivals in Somerset and all over the rest of the UK this Summer?

In 2019 Festival Samaritans are planning to attend 18 events and anticipate they will support up to 7.5k festival goers over the season.

Listening Volunteer at Samaritans of Yeovil, Sherborne & District, Ann, has been involved with the Festival Branch of Samaritans for a number of years, and explains what the service offers to festival-goers.

‘Festival Samaritans has been in existence for 45 years and has built a vast amount of experience at events of all sizes and musical genres. The biggest festival we attend is of course Glastonbury where we have had a presence for 40 years. But we also attend, amongst others, Reading, Download, Latitude, Leeds, 2000 Trees, Bloodstock, Beat herder, Kendal Calling, Y Not, ArcTanGent, as well as various biker rallies.

For many people, attending a music festival is incredibly exciting, lots of great bands, meeting new people and eating great food.

However, for others a great experience can turn very quickly into a living nightmare. Day to day problems can spiral out of control - running out of money, leaking tent, lost mobile phone, falling out with friends, soaring temperatures, torrential rain, mud, no showers and those dreaded toilets.

Festival Samaritans, work within the festival hustle and bustle. Our intention is to be available 24/7 throughout the festival which reflects the service that we offer 365 days a year across our 201 branches nationally. We provide a space where people can talk for as long or as little as they need, confidentiality and anonymously. We want people to have a good time at festivals but for those that don’t, we are there.

The average team size for all events is around 16, with a 3-4 volunteers on shift at all times. We are proactive in approaching people, letting them know how we can help and supporting those who call upon our services.’

Ann will be attending various festivals as a Festival Branch volunteer as well as continuing with her local Samaritan shifts answering the phone at the Yeovil Branch. She added: ‘Yes it can be cold, yes the mud is challenging but the reward is helping people find their way through what can be tough times.’

Could you volunteer with the Yeovil Branch of Samaritans? Why not join us at our information evenings which take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm at 25 The Park, Yeovil, BA20 1DG. To find out more, call our information line on 01935 414015, email [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-yeovil-sherborne-and-district.