Justin Tomlinson MP, with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland recently visited the Swindon Samaritans premuses in Curtis Street to see how they have been supporting the area since 1967.
The Swindon Samaritans mission is 'to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings and suicidal behaviour.'
In 2009 Swindon Samaritans received over 33,000 contacts of which 30% of the people spoken to expressed suicidal thoughts or feelings at that time. In addition they launched initiatives with the Great Western Hospital and Police Custody Suite whereby both organisations arrange for Swindon Samaritans to call people being discharged from their care in order offer the Samaritans service.
Recently they also launched a new innovative 'feet on the streets' service, where specially trained Samaritan Volunteers spends time on the streets of local towns to offer emotional support to passers by; people who perhaps wouldn't normally think of contacting Samaritans by phone, tex or email.
Justin Tomlinson MP, "I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet helpers who directly support and help this excellent and crucial service."