Samaritans to showcase £141k renovation project

Members of the public will be able to get a glimpse of the Samaritans’ upgraded local facilities following the completion of a £141k renovation project, taking place during its 50^th year of providing emotional support.

Vounteers at the Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley branch of the Samaritans will host an open day at their New Park Street offices on Saturday, November 30 from 11-3pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Blackburn with Darwen Council assisted the local Samaritans volunteers – who last year took over 30k calls for emotional support – in their application for a £33k grant to the Wolfson Foundation, a national charity that awards grants to support and promote excellence in education, science and medicine, the arts and humanities and health and disability.

Grants from other local and national organisations were also successfully sought to round out the project.

The upgraded facilities include disabled access, a new duty room – where volunteers take calls for anyone who needs emotional support –kitchen, toilets and improved training facilities.

Call Samaritans free on 116 123, or call into the Blackburn branch at 105 New Park Street. Alternatively email: jo@samaritans.org.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, visit: www.samaritans.org