CHARD'S Guildhall is set to turn green on Monday in support of the Samaritans.

The bright lights are set to be switched on on Monday evening (July 24) for the national Samaritans day.

Cllr Garry Shortland, mayor of Chard, said: "We have had the request from the Samaritans, in support of National Samaritans Day, to light up the Guildhall green on Monday night.

"Chard Town Council are really happy to support the work that the Samaritans do."

The home of Chard Town Council will be joining County Hall in Taunton in turning green in support for the cause.

The date 24/7 is a significant one for the charity which prides itself on being available to give emotional support to callers every hour of the day and night.

Volunteers at the Taunton branch of Samaritans, at 16 Wood Street, answered more than 40,000 calls last year, with volunteers putting in 580 hours of their own time to help those who are in distress or despair, including those who are suicidal.

Together with branches in Bath, Weston Super Mare and Yeovil, they provide round the clock services – listening to calls, answering emails and texts and talking to anyone who comes into the branch. 

Every six seconds, someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland contacts Samaritans and, on average, 17 people per day take their own life. 

Bob Cornes, director of Taunton Samaritans, said: “Lighting up County Hall in Samaritans colours is a visual reminder of our commitment to helping those in need of emotional support. We hope they will call us.

"It is also a reminder for anyone out there who wants to make a real difference to people’s lives to think about joining Samaritans as a volunteer. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

You can call the Samaritans hotline free on 116 123.

For more information, visit www.samaritans.org.