Samaritans 24 / 7

It is not unusual to be invited to a function and not to know what is about to happen - at least, not unusual for me! The description of the invitation was simply to support the Samaritans in a publicity event: what became clear later is that the date was the significant part of the invitation.

During the week where the 24th July falls, the Samaritans undertake a publicity campaign. The date is to replicate their promise of being available 24 / 7.

This year they had a Smart-Car, in the Charity colours, driving to each Samaritan Centre in the country. The car arrived from Eastbourne, driven by one of their volunteers. Our Folkestone volunteer, Mike Deacon, was ready and waiting to drive the car to Canterbury and hand over to the next person in the relay.

Because the car was running late from Eastbourne, I had the opportunity for a tour of the Samaritans Office and was impressed with the efficiency of the organisation. Those showing us around were clearly proud of their successes and quite rightly so. There are many people in Folkestone who are alive and well because of the work undertaken by the Folkestone Samaritans and I am so glad that I had this opportunity to know more about their selfless and tireless work.