Annual Christmas toy drop-off

DATES have been set for drop-off sessions for Nuneaton’s annual Christmas toy appeal to make sure the least privileged children have gifts to open this festive season.

While the second national lockdown forced some logistical changes, Nuneaton Salvation Army organisers were determined the much-needed appeal would still go-ahead.

The first three of the toy drop-off sessions will be held at the Salvation Army Hall in Victoria Street on Thursday, December 3 from 10am until 7.30pm. Two others will be held on Friday and Saturday.

Sophie, 27, from Littlehampton, contacted Samaritans while struggling with depression:

“Last year I went through a dark patch where I couldn’t see a way out from under the black cloud that followed me around everywhere.

“I was ashamed.

I felt weak and helpless so I reached out to Samaritans. I just wanted the pain I was feeling to stop. It was a pretty dark time, and I couldn’t see any way out – I felt overwhelmed with every emotion and yet felt nothing at all.

“I emailed Samaritans to start with, and when things got worse I phoned. Just having someone listen to me in my hour of need was lifesaving.

“I am in a better frame of mind now because I run regularly – I love the buzz that I get. When the endorphins are pumping through your body, you feel unstoppable, and that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. I still get days or periods when I feel low, but I know that it is temporary. During these times I try to be kind to myself, reach out to family and friends for support or take some time out to rest.

“The help I got from Samaritans gave me my life back and I will be forever thankful. I’m training to be a listening volunteer with my local branch, and if I can do for one person what they did for me then I will be over the moon.”