TERRYE TEVERSON VISITS SAMARITANS IN TRURO

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th May 2008

TERRYE TEVERSON VISITS SAMARITANS IN TRURO

Terrye Teverson, Parliamentary Candidate for Truro Falmouth Liberal Democrats, visited the Samaritans at Treyew Road, Truro on Saturday. The Samaritans, who help people who are feeling suicidal, were holding a coffee morning for Friends of the Samaritans and helpers. Samaritans are always know by their first name and then a number. This allows complete anonymity.

Mrs Teverson was shown the office where calls from distressed people are received. Calls come through day and night. Terrye said, "We all know about people ringing the Samaritans when they are in distress. I had not realized that they also take emails and text telephone calls. These emails can be sent from anywhere in the country and are pooled through to various Samaritans offices for Samaritans to help people through their difficulties. Some people find it hard to talk so being able to text or email is another way of getting help."

Samaritans usually undertake to do four sessions a month. The sessions are around 3-4 hours long. Mrs Teverson said that each team had a Leader who would debrief the Samaritan on duty. Often the calls can be very distressful especially if someone has actually gone on to commit suicide.

Terrye commented, "There were ex Samaritans at the coffee morning. Some of whom were in their 80's and were founder members here in Cornwall. One lady I spoke to from St Austell told me she was 90 years old this year but still collects for the organization."

Terrye spoke to Jill, Chairman of the local Samaritans, who said that there had been an increase in the number of people concerned about debt problems.

Terrye concluded, "With prices rising daily many people will have concerns about managing their mortgage or rent, food and general bills. Many people become desperate when debt crowds in. Remember many people have the same problems please just talk through the issues first - everything can be resolved."

You can ring the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or jo@samaritans .org.