Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset's 50th anniversary

The group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, held its annual general meeting this month.

Director Bob Cornes told guests: "As we look back over all those years, we can reflect on a proud history of service to our local community and to the wider Samaritan organisation.

"I've calculated that our local volunteers have contributed over 500,000 hours of their own time offering emotional support to those who needed it."

The landmark year has seen several events across the area, including a dinner at the Cooper Associates County Ground, in Taunton.

Thanks were given to long-serving volunteers, many of them, with more than 20 years' experience, and supporters from Wiveliscombe, who raised more than £1,000 at a 50th anniversary dinner.

The branch has had a ‘Visit’ - the equivalent of an Ofsted inspection - in which it was deemed 'outstanding'.

Local Samaritans have been working with occupational health staff at Hinkley Point, developed a partnership with GP surgeries to offer calls to patients, and spoken to staff at job centres to make them aware of the support that can be offered.

Samaritans of Somerset and Taunton have also been part of a countywide committee to set up an emergency emotional support system in the event of a major disaster and provided support to schools in the aftermath of a suicide, continuing to be at the forefront of the Postvention Scheme, as well as attending the Recovery in the Park event at Lyngford, Taunton, for recovering drug and alcohol addicts.

The team continues to offer talks to local schools and other organisations.

Samaritans’ core purpose is to support anyone who is struggling and who needs to talk, and will be there 24/7, with the help of its volunteers.

The local helpline is 01823-288998 (local call charges apply), while the national freephone is 116123, e-mail jo@samaritans.org or visit 16 Wood Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1UN 9am to 9, no appointment needed.