Samaritans has said it is “utterly motivated” to keeping its helpline running as many callers address worries concerning the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity, which helps people who are in emotional distress and those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, has a free phone line that is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
John Humpston, interim director at the charity’s Cambridge branch, stated that during the Covid-19 crisis, the organisation is even further committed to providing emotional, confidential, non-judgemental support to people in need.
He explained that in his experience, many callers are either calling to speak about coronavirus or a topic that is related.
“If they don’t want to talk about coronavirus they want to talk about things that are a consequence of coronavirus and the shutdown,” he said.
“The sort of things you would expect, whether that is financial, mental health, relationships. It’s all heightened.”
Mr Humpston said that the pandemic has acted like a “catalyst” for some individuals.
“If there was a pre-existing vulnerability there then coronavirus has sort of accentuated it really,” he said.
“Coronavirus isn’t necessarily the main feature of most calls, but is’ in the background if not the foreground of quite a lot of calls at the moment.”
Mr Humpston explained the measures Samaritans have taken to ensure the volunteers at the Cambridge branch are being kept safe, including telling volunteers not to come in if they display Covid-19 symptoms, re-ordering the layout of the branch and telling volunteers who are vulnerable that they can step back from volunteering duties if they wish.
Some Samaritans volunteers have joined forces with Hospice UK and Shout to offer support for healthcare workers on a dedicated mental health helpline launched for the NHS.
“It has been fantastic how those who can carry on are carrying on and the shifts are being filled,” Mr Humpston said.
“There’s a tremendous sense of we’ve got to be there as long as we can.”
He added there has been “quite a lot of work” to keep the Samaritans branches open and to ensure that the 24/7 helpline is maintained in the current climate.
“I think most Samaritans are motivated by that sense of we can be there, we won’t judge, we’re confidential and I think they are utterly motivated to do that,” Mr Humpston stated.
To contact the Samaritans helpline, call 116 123. The phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
You can also contact the charity by email by sending a message to jo@samaritans.org. The average response time is 24 hours.
