Durham Samaritans Talk to More Than 400 People at Market Place Roadshow

Durham Samaritans took their support out of the branch and into the middle of the city on Saturday 3 October, setting up at the Saturday outdoor market in the Market Place for a day of conversations with shoppers, visitors and local organisations.

According to the branch, more than 400 people stopped to talk to volunteers over the day, and around 625 Samaritans resources were handed out, including contact cards that people could keep or pass on to friends, family and colleagues. Volunteers were also on hand to offer emotional support to anyone who needed someone to talk to there and then.

Who was there

The volunteers were joined by Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), the peer-support charity for people bereaved by suicide. City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy also called in to meet the team and hear about the support Samaritans offers locally.

Local businesses and groups helped spread the word too. Staff from Costa Coffee at Durham railway station and the Pink Justice Network took resources away to share in their workplaces and communities, and Bean to Brew donated hot drinks for volunteers and for people who stopped to talk.

Ellie Cavilla, Regional Development Lead at Samaritans, said the roadshow gave the charity "the chance to have conversations with people who might never otherwise think about contacting us".

Getting support

Samaritans is there for anyone who is struggling to cope, day or night. You don't have to be at crisis point to get in touch.

Best for:

Call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, from any phone. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or find other ways to get in touch at samaritans.org.

Durham Samaritans is based at 26 Sutton Street, a short walk from the railway and bus stations. The branch says it is always looking for new volunteers, for both listening and support roles, and runs regular information sessions for anyone thinking about it. Details are on the Durham Samaritans branch page.

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