Hull Samaritans were named the Beverley Building Society Charity of the Month for November after being voted by members visiting the branch.
Based in Hull the charity is made up of 60 volunteers who help people in the Yorkshire and Humber Region offering emotional support to those in distress, despair, including those with suicidal feelings.
Anne Smith, Director of Hull Samaritans visited the Beverley Building Society branch to collect the £250 donation that has been made to the charity.
With the festive period being such a busy time for the charity, the donation could not have come at a better time. Last Christmas the Samaritans handled over 240,000 calls across the UK.
Anne, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the donation and of course to the inspirational people who keep our service running every single day of the year when many others are closed.”
“This £250 will help us keep the centre running and pay for the running costs we incur. We have quite high phone bills as we offer a call back service, so we can help people.”
“Overall we have seen an increase in calls all year round as people find day to day life harder. During the Christmas period, we often are called by those who feel isolated, alone or who have bad memories linked to the time of year.”
Graham Carter, Head of Business Development at the Beverley Building Society said;
“All of us here are very pleased for Hull Samaritans that they have been nominated by our members as the charity of the month.”
“They a join a number of other good local causes that have benefited from the initiative that has been running throughout the year. I hope this money helps them continue with their excellent work in the community.”
Following a recent survey it was revealed by the charity that over a third of the men who replied admitted to feeling lonely at Christmas.
However, another study showed that men are also much less likely than women to have a positive view of counselling or therapy, and when they do use these services, it is at the point of crisis.
Hull Samaritans is encouraging men to seek help and consider calling them if things are getting to them over the festive period.
Anne said;
“Many of our callers have told us that Christmas is a tough time for them, which is why our volunteers will be available around the clock, for anyone who is struggling to cope, including on Christmas day.”
“We answer lots of calls over the Christmas period, and many of those are from men who feel like their family would be better off without them.”
“That’s why it’s so important that Samaritans volunteers like me are there for those men when they need to talk and anyone who needs us over this period.”
The contact local telephone number for Hull Samaritans helpline is 01482 323456.
