First and foremost, the role of Samaritans is to respond to our callers by phone, email and text. However, each branch also works individually to be proactive in its local community as well.
Horsham's Salvation Army & Crawley Open house
At Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley we have small and dedicated team that visit the Salvation Army based in Depot Road, Horsham and Crawley Open House. Volunteer numbers permitting, listeners are available in Horsham (on alternate Thursday evenings) and in Crawley (on alternate Wednesdays) to offer the opportunity for people to talk about anything that may be troubling them. These sessions are so important in helping to support the most vulnerable members of our local community.
Partnership with West Sussex County Council
We are continuing to develop our outreach programme and we are currently working in partnership with West Sussex County Council on the implementation of its Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Supporting local schools, colleges and community groups
We lead workshops and assemblies in secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges, and provide talks to a variety of community groups. For schools that would be interested in us visiting to deliver a talk or workshop on different aspects of emotional health as well as explaining Samaritans service email us at - [email protected] .
Partnership with Network Rail
Our Samaritans branch also participates in a national partnership with Network Rail. With our area covering some of the busiest railway stations, from Haywards Heath, Three Bridges and out to Billingshurst along the Horsham line, we are available to provide emotional support to the rail staff and passengers when needed.
We take part in two national events each year, 'The Big Listen' & 'Brew Monday'. You may have seen us on a very hot July day at Horsham Station for ‘The Big Listen’. Look out for us at one of the larger stations on the 21st January where we will be handing out teabags as part of Brew Monday.
Supporting 'Listening' in local prisons
Every prison in the country has a Listener scheme run by Samaritans in partnership with the Prison Service and the Government. Our branch is linked with Lewes Prison. Together with Samaritans volunteers from Brighton and Eastbourne, we train and debrief prisoners as listeners for other prisoners. Rates of suicide, self-harm and mental illness are much higher among the prison population than in society, and prison listeners are available all day every day. They provide a vital service to those arriving at prison, often for the first time, as well as to those coping with a huge range of emotional problems. Listeners also learn and develop talking and active listening skills that we hope they will take with them when they have completed their sentences.