Inverness Samaritans appeals to residents for their support during coronavirus pandemic
Inverness 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.
Samaritan volunteers continue to man the phone lines during the Covid-19 pandemic with telephone lines and email service is operating as normal operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week – however the charity cannot offer its face-to-face service due to government guidelines.
The Government has confirmed that Samaritans' volunteers are critical to supporting vulnerable people at this crucial time and Inverness Samaritans is making every effort to ensure that it are able to provide emotional support to anyone who is in crisis.
Volunteers that are able to carry out shifts at the Inverness branch are following strict guidelines on hygiene standards and social distancing and the situation will be continually monitored to ensure that volunteer safety is prioritised.
An Inverness branch spokesman said: “For over 47 years, our branch has provided a listening ear to anyone who needs support, which has been possible through the public’s kind donations.
“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 Inverness residents to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support.”
A donation of 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.
To make a donation and find out other ways to support Inverness Samaritans please visit.
Those worried about their own mental health or someone else during the coronavirus outbreak can also find some useful online resources and advice here on the Samaritans' website.