Stress Down Day
Today is Stress Down Day. It’s being launched by Samaritans. I held a reception for them at the House of Commons last night, as I am chairman of the all-party group for Samaritans. Samaritans are, according to surveys, one of the most admired charities in Britain today - and yet few people know what they do. Most people think they focus exclusively on suicide, and paradoxically, that means occasionally people feel that there is a stigma involved. Thankfully, that is changing, with a lot of young people now involved as volunteers. Founded more than fifty years ago, they set up the first 24 hour helpline. But Samaritans are not just at the end of the phone - they now have a hugely successful text and e-mail service; they work in prisons where they train prisoners as volunteers; they even go to rock and pop festivals to provide a drop-in centre. Every year, 17.000 volunteers help 5 million people.
When I set up the all-party group, I offered to train as a volunteer. It was tactfully suggested that I might not pass the programme. Apparently, you have to be a good listener.
Alice said on February 1st, 2007 at 8:55 pm:
After today’s (or should that be Friday’s) events, the PM might be phoning them soon!
But seriously though, the Samaritans are a fantastic charity and provide a wonderful service. Lots of success to them in the future!