50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAMARITANS

Motion Text

That this House congratulates Samaritans on its 50th Anniversary on 2nd November; recognises with admiration the support which volunteers have given, and continue to give, to those in distress and despair who have contacted the service over the past five decades; notes that almost five million contacts are made each year, usually through the nationwide 08457 90 90 90 telephone number, with others seeking help through personal sessions, letter and e-mail, the latter particularly from young men and the socially excluded in both urban and rural communities; welcomes new developments which take the service into schools and the workplace; and wishes all involved with Samaritans continued success in the years ahead in helping those in emotional distress.