GUERNSEY SAMARITANS APPEAL TO ISLANDERS FOR SUPPORT

Guernsey Samaritans is appealing for donations from local residents to help ensure its volunteers can continue to support people struggling to cope during this crucial time. Following the States of Guernsey confirmation that Samaritans volunteers are critical to supporting vulnerable people, Guernsey Samaritans is making every effort to ensure that they are able to provide emotional support to anyone in crisis. Volunteers that are able to carry out shifts at Guernsey branch are following strict guidelines on hygiene standards and social distancing. The situation will be continually monitored to ensure that volunteer safety is prioritised. Branch Director at Guernsey Samaritans, Graham Hall said: “For almost 60 years, our branch has provided a listening ear to anyone who needs support, which has been possible through the public’s kind donations.” “Now more than ever, we need the public’s continued support. Due to the cancellation of our upcoming fundraising events and the closure of Mostly Books who support us, along with other local charities, we are facing a significant loss of funding, so we are calling on Islanders to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support.” A donation as little as £5.00 will help volunteers to answer a call for help from someone struggling to cope and be there when people need support the most. To make a donation and find out other ways you can support Guernsey Samaritans please visit https://www.samaritans.org/branches/guernsey/ Those worried about their own mental health or someone else during the coronavirus outbreak can find some useful online resources and advice here on Samaritans website.

Calling all volunteers old and new

We are always looking for volunteers to work with our branch in Guernsey. If interested, you could help either as one of our listening volunteers or as a support volunteer. All are valued members of our branch. Listeners are trained to offer emotional support to callers on the phone, by e mail or face to face at our branch in Forest Lane. Support volunteers assist through the Friends of Samaritans in raising funds and awareness or by operating practical support within the branch in relation, for example to IT, finance and operations. We welcome potential volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds. Returning volunteers are especially welcome. If interested, please get in touch with us via the recruitment section of the Samaritans website or directly during one of our recruitment drives.