On Friday, James met Rachel Goldsmith, Branch Director of King's Lynn Samaritans, to talk about the crucial work they do supporting people in times of crisis in West Norfolk.
The Samaritans were founded in 1953 and has volunteers based all around the county, providing a 24-hour confidential listening service for anyone who is going through an emotional crisis. Their mission is to offer a safe space to talk, any time day or night, to anyone who is emotionally distressed. Call the Samaritans at any time on Freephone 116 123.
The Kings Lynn Samaritans branch is composed exclusively of volunteers and funded entirely by charitable donations and volunteers work extensively in the local community to support anyone experiencing distress or despair.
James said, "For over 50 years the King’s Lynn branch has provided support to people in West Norfolk who are feeling down or if problems are getting on top of them. I pay tribute to all the volunteers who provide this incredibly valuable service. As well as talking to Rachel about the impact from Covid-19, it was helpful to get her perspective on the pressures that young people face online ahead of legislation that is coming forward to help protect them.
Samaritans offer support for a range of ages, from primary school to the elderly. They provide a range of services from offering support groups for people bereaved from suicides to prison intervention programs, training prisoners to the same standard as the branch volunteers to spot the signs of people entering an emotional crisis.
If you'd like to volunteer with Kings Lynn Samaritans, as a listening volunteer click here https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/
