A READING man is joining the Samaritans festive campaign, after being supported by the charity himself.
Jason, pictured, reached out for support after breaking up with the mother of his son, and the death of his mother.
“Although it was one of the hardest things I have done – that phone call changed my life and put me on a new path,” the 50-year-old said. “Samaritans gave me hope and helped me to find my purpose again.”
Volunteers at the Reading branch will be among around 1,500 nationwide volunteers expected to answer calls for help on Christmas Day.
Christmas will be a tough time for some — even without a pandemic to deal with — said the charity. Its latest research revealed that being separated from family and loved ones over the Christmas period is one of the biggest concerns facing callers.
Volunteers across the Thames Valley will be there round-the-clock throughout December to make sure someone is there to listen to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling.
Reading Samaritans branch director, Ali Chapman, said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people. It’s a time when loneliness and everyday issues can really hit home which might be heightened this year. Confidential support is available 24/7, and that we are there for everyone this Christmas. Mental health struggles, isolation, trauma, and suicidal thoughts don’t take a break just because it’s Christmas day, in fact they can be amplified. Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline.”
Last Christmas, Samaritans responded to more than a quarter of a million calls for help, with more than 10,000 calls on Christmas Day.
For more information or to support Reading Samaritans, visit: www.samaritans.org/branches/reading or call 116 123
