Member Article

New helpline for Swindon cause

A Samaritans branch in Swindon will install an additional emergency helpline with the help of a leading regional housebuilder.

Swindon & District Samaritans will receive a £1,000 charity donation from Persimmon Homes Wessex, which comes courtesy of the housebuilder’s Community Champions initiative.

Nationally, the charitable scheme has donated more than £2million for good causes and community groups.

Based on Curtis Street in the town, Swindon & District Samaritans answered more than 16,000 emergency calls last year.

Paul Bentley, a volunteer from the branch, said: “We want to install an extra helpline, taking us from two to three lines. This means we can answer more calls from people who are struggling to cope in their lives.

“We are the only charity in Swindon that can offer this kind of support and we are proud of that fact. Feedback from the public suggests that the support provided by our volunteers is both life-changing and life-saving.

“We can’t thank Persimmon enough for its generous funding.”

Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re delighted to help a cause that is so vital to our community. Swindon & District Samaritans do incredible work throughout the region. Their empathy and compassion is so important to people in their time of need.

“Community Champions is a continuous process, so we’d urge groups and clubs to apply.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ross Watson .