Rishi Sunak has said how impressed he is by the work of Northallerton Samaritans as the branch celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Mr Sunak called at the organisation’s base in Crosby Road to meet some of the 50 volunteers who help to provide the telephone listening support as part of the Samaritans nationwide service to those having a difficult time.
He listened to the volunteers who told him about their work providing support to those who call, the comprehensive training required to become an effective listener and how rewarding it was to provide the service.
Mr Sunak, the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, said: “The volunteers do an amazing job and I am so impressed by their commitment to the work of the Samaritans nationally but particularly the local branch.
“Their recognition of the stresses and strains which can be felt by members of our rural community – such as isolation and loneliness – is so important and something which the branch has been mindful of throughout its 60 years.”
When Northallerton and The Dales Samaritans was established in 1964, it was the first rural branch in the country. Among its first volunteer listeners was Alf Wight, better known as the world-famous author James Herriot, who had witnessed first hand the struggles faced by the farming community in his work as a North Yorkshire vet.
Sue O’Halloran of the Samaritans of Northallerton and Dales said branch members appreciated Mr Sunak listening to their stories. She added: “Our branch listeners and support volunteers ensure we continue to be available 24/7 as part of the national support service.
“We look to our local community to recruit for new volunteers and fundraising as well as offering support locally too.
“Rishi’s visit was a great opportunity to hear from new and long-standing volunteers the reasons why they joined and to remind ourselves why we continue to be involved and help our callers by supporting the branch in as many ways as we can. The 60th anniversary celebrations have shown us that we are all part of a great team!”
The Northallerton and Dales branch has held a series of events this year to mark the anniversary. This month it is taking part in ‘Samarathon’ – a nationwide fundraising effort where volunteers and supporters walked, jogged or ran a marathon over the course of the month to raise money.
Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made via the branch website. Search for ‘Northallerton Samaritans Samarathon’. Details about how to become a volunteer can also be found on the branch website.
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