Dunfermline Samaritans here for anyone struggling this winter

Dunfermline Samaritans here for anyone struggling this winter

Volunteers at Dunfermline Samaritans are encouraging everyone who is finding the festive season difficult to reach out and not struggle in silence.

While December is marketed as the ‘happiest time of the year,’ volunteers at the suicide prevention charity know that’s not the case for everyone – and are anticipating around a quarter of a million calls for help.

Media spokesperson Ged Lafferty from Dunfermline Samaritans said: “We know that this time of year can be difficult for all sorts of reasons. On top of the challenges people face throughout the year – which don’t just take a break for Christmas – there’s an added financial burden, expectation to appear happy, spending time with people we’re not necessarily comfortable around, while feelings of loneliness and bereavement may be heightened.

“On top of this, other sources of support might be less available with limited open hours and our regular routines are disrupted with work and social spaces closed. It’s so vital that people know our volunteers are there, available 24/7, if they’re struggling.”

To ensure its volunteers continue providing emotional support, Samaritans have launched its Break the Silence campaign, asking people to help to keep Samaritans here for people when they’re ready to talk. A donation as little as £10 will help Samaritans answer a call for help from someone struggling to cope this winter.

Samaritans’ volunteers are always here to listen and won’t judge or tell you what to do. Call free, day or night, on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org. Also, those contemplating volunteering with Samaritans of Dunfermline or feeling they want to support us can find out more by visiting www.samaritans.org/dunfermline

For those who may be struggling over the Festive period of Christmas and the New Year our message of help will be transmitted throughout Fife over the Festive period on Kingdom FM. The radio messages were recorded by two of our Volunteers, Kay and Robert. Our message will be broadcast from Friday 20th December to Thursday 2nd January