Samaritans call for help with fund crisis
ROCHDALE, Oldham & District Samaritans has launched a fundraising campaign to support its work offering urgent mental health guidance to people in crisis during the coronavirus outbreak.
The branch has said that the cancellation of planned fundraising events due to the imposition of a lockdown to slow the spread of the virus could have a serious impact on its ability to carry on working.
Safety for the branch’s volunteers who are still able to carry out shifts answering calls from people in need is being guaranteed through strict hygiene and social distancing measures, with the situation being constantly monitored.
Rochdale Samaritans branch director 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.
“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.”
There are a number of ways to support the branch, including a virtual quiz, or simply via online shopping, which can be done through visiting www. easyfundraising.org.uk/ causes/rochdale oldham districtsamaritans.
Donations can be made on the branch website, where advice is also available for those concerned for their own mental health or that of someone they know during the coronavirus outbreak.