Praise for Samaritans’ 30 years of support in Caithness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CAITHNESS Samaritans have been praised for the “phenomenal” support they have provided to the area in the last 30 years.
The organisation’s new director for Scotland, Andrew Sim, visited the local branch last week and met the 17 volunteers who man the service on double shifts for over 30 hours a week.
Mr Sim praised the work of the branch and its dedicated volunteers.
“The situation in Thurso is completely different from say Glasgow, where you have 200 volunteers who can come in and help,” he said.
“In Thurso you are sweeping the snow from the drive, you are taking on office-bearing roles and all the training, as well as the normal roles. This is all taken on by a group of 17 people.”
Mr Sim, who has been in his post for a year, said he was amazed at the level of work put in by local Samaritans and those across the Highlands and Islands.
“What I find really interesting is that we have branches in Stornoway, Shetland, Orkney and Thurso and they’re our four smallest branches in the UK but probably amongst the most important in having that physical presence for people who need support,” he said.
“We think it is really important that we have that physical presence and that the Samaritans can be contacted locally. The support is on people’s doorsteps.”
The director was accompanied by chairwoman of the local branch Catherine Simpson and treasurer Joan Speed and visited local health professionals and the police to raise awareness of the support available.
The main support mechanism available is a UK-wide helpline through which the Samaritans handle a huge variety of calls from people in need.
Anything from relationship breakdowns, stress, anxiety, depression, death, suicidal feelings, or even a pet dying can provoke a call. Mrs Speed said the number operated 24 hours a day all year round.
“That’s all we offer really – effective listening with no authorities involved,” she said. “If you go to a doctor or a mental health professional they have a duty of care, so telling them everything is often very difficult and sometimes it is your deepest secrets that are keeping you awake at night.”
The local branch can get a significant number of calls, especially at night which can be its busiest time.
Depending on the time, people looking for support may get put through to the local branch if it is open, or they may be put through to the nearest group.
“We don’t ask names,” explained Ms Speed. “It’s a completely confidential and anonymous service that we offer – and you don’t need to tell us anything you don’t want to.”
The local branch also offers face-to-face listening, treated with the same confidentiality, should someone wish to come to its office at 7 Riverside Place.
The only circumstance in which anonymity is broken, explained Mr Sim, is a legal requirement regarding the reporting of terrorism or when a court order is involved.
The registered charity maintains its service through constant fundraising, with the Caithness branch regularly appearing at agricultural shows, galas and occasionally shops to raise awareness and funds.
It can be contacted on 01847 895656 and the UK helpline number is 08457 90 90 90.
