Recruitment drive for the Samaritans in North Lincolnshire

Based in Scunthorpe, the Scunthorpe and District branch of Samaritans said they answered more than over 22,000 calls for help and emotional support across the district including in the Isle of Axholme last year.

Nationally, Samaritans are receiving more than five million contacts every single year – that’s one every six seconds.

A spokesman for the service said: “There are many reasons why people feel so low that they need to talk to an understanding service like the Samaritans. These can include loneliness and isolation, ill health (including mental ill health), and bereavement. Family relationship problems are another area. Financial problems, alcohol dependency, abusive relationships and self-harm also result in many calls.”

He added: “We work in partnership with other organisations, including schools, the prison service and rail industry to help resolve the kind of problems that lead people to suicidal feelings (27.5 percent of all contacts in the year were from people with suicidal feelings).

“If these figures move you to want to help, there are several ways you can get involved. You can become a Samaritans volunteer, you can donate cash, or you can take part in a Samaritans fundraiser, either as a participant or as support staff. The Samaritans are a big family. Anyone who wants to help in any way. Find out more at http://www.samaritans.org/ website.”