On 24 July the Samaritans charity marks Samaritans Awareness Day to highlight that its volunteers are here to listen 24/7 to anyone feeling suicidal.
Samaritans answers a call for help every 10 seconds, but the charity relies on donations to meet the £4,068-per-hour cost of delivering these listening services and support across the UK and Ireland.
Samaritans prevents suicide through the power of human connection, reaching people in communities and settings across the UK and Ireland where its work can save lives.
That is why, the charity says, this year's Samaritans Awareness Day is encouraging people across the UK and Ireland to support the cause by getting involved in the charity's new 24/7 Fundraising Challenge.
Swindon & District Samaritans co-branch directors, Francis and Bob, have outlined the importance of Samaritans Awareness Day: "This Samaritans Awareness Day, we're celebrating the power of human connection.
"Every day, our volunteers are here for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering a safe space to talk and be heard.
"The 24th of July is an important reminder that Samaritans is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.We're incredibly grateful to everyone who is taking part in our 24/7 fundraising challenge to help us continue to be there for anyone in emotional crisis."
Until 24 July the public are being encouraged to take on a challenge of their choice for 24 minutes a day. This can be anything from running, swimming, cycling, reading, crafting, yoga, or something completely different, and every participant will be helping Samaritans continue to be there for people when it matters most.
This year, Swindon & District Samaritans volunteers will be celebrating Samaritans Awareness Day by helping to increase awareness of the power of listening in at:
- The Parade in Swindon Town Centre on Friday 24 July
- Chippenham Town Centre Market on Saturday 25 July
To get involved, people can:
- Sign up for the 247 Challenge and complete an activity of their choice for 24 minutes a day
- Donate or fundraise to support Samaritans
- Share their support on social media using #SamaritansAwarenessDay and #247Challenge
- Learn more about Samaritans' work and how they can help
- Anyone can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org
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