Samaritans Isle of Man has attended two of the Island’s biggest summer events with its new van to raise awareness of the charity’s work.

Volunteers from Samaritans attended the Southern District Agricultural Show at Great Meadow, Castletown, and the Royal Manx Agricultural Show at Knockaloe with the new van to remind people of the lifesaving service the charity provides, offering support to those who approached them and discussing volunteering opportunities with interested passers-by.

The van was purchased with money bequeathed to the charity to assist with its work in the community.

Gill Porter, Director of Samaritans Isle of Man, said: ‘We were very pleased to have so many people visit the van at the shows and take an interest in what we do. These events provide us with a great opportunity to reach out to the local community and remind those who are struggling emotionally that Samaritans are just a phone call away.

‘The van is a new addition to our awareness campaign and it’s proving really helpful. You might have seen us on the road already as we’ve been using it for weekly trips to the prison and helping with jobs at the branch. The agricultural shows were the first official outings for the van and they were a great success. Thanks to everyone who came by and supported us.’

Samaritans Isle of Man is part of a network of branches throughout the UK and Ireland which offer a listening ear to callers from near and far.  Ran by volunteers, the charity offers judgement-free support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer a listening ear to people who are struggling with their emotions. 

For more information please visit http://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-isle-man.