EXETER, Mid and East Devon Samaritans is appealing for donations from local residents to help ensure its volunteers can continue to support people struggling to cope during this crucial time.

Following Government’s confirmation that Samaritans volunteers are critical to supporting vulnerable people, Exeter, Mid and East Devon Samaritans is making every effort to ensure that they are able to provide emotional support to anyone in crisis.

Volunteers that are able to carry out shifts at Exeter branch are following strict guidelines on hygiene standards and social distancing. The situation will be continually monitored to ensure that volunteer safety is prioritised.

Branch Director at Exeter, Mid and East Devon Samaritans, John Huxtable said: “For more than 57 years, our branch has provided a listening ear to anyone who needs support, which has been possible through the public’s kind donations. Many Volunteers have taken on extra duties and shifts to ensure continued support for callers from all over the UK at what is a particularly distressing time for the community.

“Now more than ever, we need the public’s continued support. Due to the cancellation of our upcoming fundraising events we are facing a significant loss of funding so we are calling on residents in our area to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support.”

A donation as little as £5 will help volunteers to answer a call for help from someone struggling to cope and be there when people need support the most. A £12 donation would train and support a volunteer for three months and £24 could keep the Samaritans’ helpline open for three minutes.

You can make a donation and find out other ways you can support Exeter, Mid and East Devon Samaritans by visiting Samaritans’ website: www.samaritans.org/branches/exeter/ .

Those worried about their own mental health or someone else during the coronavirus outbreak can find some useful online resources and advice here on Samaritans website: www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/worried-about-someone-else/if-youre-worried-about-someone-else-during-coronavirus-outbreak/ .