Lloyds Foundation support the work of Coleraine Samaritans

The presentation was made by Mrs Paddy Bailie, Chairman of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland when she visited the organisation last Wednesday.

Mrs Bailie said: “The Lloyds TSB Foundation is delighted to be able to support the work of the Coleraine and District Samaritans.

“The money will be used to maintain the current publicity and training programmes. This will help raise awareness of the service and also ensure that volunteers are equipped with the skills required to support callers.

£We wish the organisation continuing success with their excellent work, supporting those in need within the community.”

Brendan Magee, Director of Coleraine Samaritans, thanked the Foundation for their generous donation.

“We appreciate the work the Foundation does to support local communities and in particular their generous donation to support the work of Samaritans in Coleraine and District,” he said.

“There is a continuing and growing need for our services. Last year we took nearly 13,000 calls and 5,576 turned into full contacts. 14% of those had suicidal feelings or a plan. A further 73% were distressed or worried.

“This donation will help us develop our outreach work with publicity, schools, community groups and organisations and to work to increase the number of volunteers.”

If you need to talk to Samaritans call them on 08457 90 90 90, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.