£1,500 Boost for Telford Samaritans
The donation from Barratt Homes will be used to help cover the costs of running key fundraising events that allow the charity to continue carrying out its vital mission, both in Telford and throughout the UK.
The Samaritans is a national charity dedicated to suicide prevention, with a range of resources, services and aid available across approximately 200 branches for anyone that may be struggling with their mental health. Next year, the Telford branch will be celebrating its 50th year of dedicated support at the King Street branch.
Volunteers at the charity provide emotional support at all hours, every day of the year, with accessible listening services and community engagement activities. These include visiting schools to provide talks for pupils and teachers, and working with the governor of Stoke Heath to increase the number of listeners within the prison.
Telford Samaritans also participates in local events and groups, such as Telford Ladies Ice Hockey, the Wellington Midsummer Fete, and Lawley Fest. These events allow the charity to raise awareness about its services, fundraising, and recruitment for new volunteers.
Julie Menary, Director and Trustee at Telford Samaritans, said: “The service we provide is vital for many callers who lack support and simply need someone to listen to them, to feel that they are being heard.
“Our vision within Samaritans is that fewer people die by suicide. On July 24th, it was Samaritans Awareness Day, a day where our aim is to remind everyone that our volunteers are here to lend a listening ear at any time of day or night, whatever you’re going through.”
Recent data has shown that suicide rates may be at their highest in 25 years, as Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help every 10 seconds from people facing all sorts of challenges. It’s more important than ever that people don’t wait until crisis point to seek support and share how they are feeling.”
According to an article by the British Safety Council, there is a major concern surrounding mental health in the construction industry due to the steady rise in suicides among employees. In 2021, 34 people per 100,000 in employment took their own lives, up from 26 per 100,000 in 2014.
Charity volunteers at Telford Samaritans cover a range of shifts, starting from the early hours of 2am to 6am, continuing through daytime shifts, and extending to evening shifts from 10pm to 2am. Its shop, operated by about 25 dedicated volunteers, plays a crucial role in generating funds to keep the branch running smoothly.
Julie continued: “We will shortly be starting outreach efforts, including working with local foodbanks to offer emotional support to their visitors. Every two months, we hold information evenings to inform the public about our work and encourage potential volunteers to join us.
“Like many charities, we rely on fundraising and donations. Donations from generous contributors like Barratt Homes is essential for us to continue our support. This contribution will help us to provide critical emotional support, offering a lifeline to individuals, often in their darkest hours. We’d like to thank Barratt Homes for helping us make a difference.”
Barratt Homes’ donation came from The Barratt Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.
Adrian Evans, Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been able to support Telford Samaritans, which offers a vital service not only in Shropshire, but throughout the UK.
“Life is precious, and having someone to talk to when times are hard can make all the difference. For anyone that may be struggling with their mental health or in their personal life, we ask you to please get in touch with the Telford Samaritans so that they can offer their support.”
To find out more about the charity and the services it offers, visit its website at Telford Samaritans or call the helpline on 116 123.
Pic: Julie Menary of Telford Samaritans and Adam Byatt of Barratt Homes
