Tamworth Samaritans have been given a much-needed funding boost, thanks to the sale of carrier bags in convenience stores in and around the town.
The £1,000 donation from Tamworth Co-op’s Cash in the Bag scheme will go towards keeping the branch open and ensuring its crisis support helpline is maintained.
Shannen Woodcock, co-director of Tamworth Samaritans, said it was a fantastic surprise to receive the money as the group relies on such contributions.
“It costs in excess of £30,000 a year to run the branch. This will go a significant way towards the funds we have to raise to keep open. It will pay for the rent and insurance on our offices, as well as the heating and electricity bills.
Julie Clark, manager of the Church Street Co-op convenience store, hands the £1,000 cheque to Shannen Woodcock, co-director of Tamworth Samaritans.
“Everyone who volunteers here is extremely grateful. It is so generous and kind of the Tamworth Co-op to think of us.”
In an average month the branch’s 88 listening volunteers answer an average of 800 calls and respond to 100 emails from people struggling to cope for a variety of reasons. They may be experiencing relationship and family problems, bereavement, loneliness, stress, depression, or have financial worries and need someone to talk to without the fear of being judged.
Some callers are suicidal, and others are dependent on alcohol or other drugs, or have a painful and/or a disabling physical illness. The charity’s mission is to reduce the risk factors which make some people more likely to take their own lives.
A further eight volunteers help with the running of the Tamworth branch which provides additional support for inmates who are listeners at Swinfen Hall Prison. It also organises initiatives with Tamworth railway station to raise awareness of the Samaritans.
Julie Clark, manager of the Church Street Co-op convenience store, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support the work of the Samaritans in Tamworth. It’s such an excellent cause because anyone could find themselves in need of them at some point in their lives.”
*The Samaritans’ free, 24-7 emotional support helpline number is 116 123.