Being a Samaritan means being there for people who need someone to listen.
Friday 22 December 2023 was the longest night of the year, with the sun setting here in Stafford at 15:54. Stafford Samaritans used the date to remind anyone in need that the Samaritans are there for them during their darkest hours, including over Christmas and New Year. Several County Council buildings including the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford were lit up green and many other people, organisations and businesses joined them by displaying a light in their window. Last year, Samaritans volunteers responded to 244,254 calls in the UK and Ireland over the festive period and this year volunteers in Staffordshire will be there round-the-clock to make sure people who are struggling always have someone to turn to. Samaritans volunteer Mandy called into the mid-morning show to chat to Ray to let us know that Samaritans are always there if you need someone to talk to. They can be contacted on FREEPHONE 116 123 or online at www.samaritans.org