Samaritans of Wellington: Lending Their Ears For Nearly Fifty Years

Formed in 1965, Samaritans have been offering sympathetic, caring and confidential support to anyone in emotional distress for nearly fifty years. Trained volunteers listen and help people talk through what's troubling them, offering compassion and understanding, discussing the options with support and encouragement, while always offering confidentiality and anonymity.

The recent spate of earthquakes in the central part of the country has left some people stressed and with frayed nerves. The Mental Health Foundation have urged people to contact the support helplines if they are struggling. Samaritans is one of those helplines, and with local bases that understand what people are going through, play a role in helping people through the ongoing effects of the upheavals. To continue helping the people of the Wellington region, Samaritans needs their help.

Samaritans of Wellington are holding their Annual Street Appeal on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August around the streets, shopping centres and malls of Wellington. This year they are combining with Hutt Valley Samaritans, who will be collecting in Upper and Lower Hutt locations on the same days. The annual appeal provides the major part of the funding for the organization, allowing them to keep their volunteers listening and caring 24/7.

For those who miss the street appeal, or wish to donate electronically, Samaritans are running an online appeal in conjunction with Givealittle. People can donate online at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/sams2013.

For those needing someone to listen, call the helpline on 0800 726 666

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