Rochdale, Oldham & District Samaritans appeal to residents for support

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Rochdale, Oldham & District 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, Rochdale, Oldham & District 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 Rochdale 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 Rochdale Samaritans, Moyra Purves said: “For over 50 years, our branch has provided a listening ear to anyone who needs support, which has been possible through the public’s kind donations. You may have seen us at supermarkets, football and rugby matches and festivals/carnivals and we have always been overwhelmed with your generosity, when you stopped to say hello and put a donation in our buckets.

“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 Rochdale, Oldham & District residents 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.

You could help raise money for the branch when shopping online via Easy Fundraising. Just click on www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/rochdaleoldhamdistrictsamaritans to start shopping.

Or you may like to set up your own fundraising activity such as a virtual bake-off, quiz, a Sing-for-Samaritans. Have a look at www.virginmoneygiving.com for some ideas if you need further inspiration.

To make a donation and find out other ways you can support Rochdale, Oldham & District Samaritans please visit:

• www.samaritans.org/branches/rochdale/

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/