South Somerset Samaritans appoint new publicity officer (From Yeovil Express)

South Somerset Samaritans appoint new publicity officer

2:10pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Jamie Brooks

THE Samaritans in South Somerset are trying to ensure that despite funding cuts, the local service will not suffer.

The service has appointed a new publicity officer - Linda Piggott-Vijeh to raise awareness of the work carried out - and ensure that the phone lines keep running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The cost of keeping the local branch running with no official funding and no paid staff still costs a fortune - and the Samaritans are hoping that by highlighting their work in the local community they can survive and thrive.

Linda said: “It is when juggling finances becomes all too much, and when it seems there is no hope at all many, people turn to Samaritans for help.

“Samaritans cannot solve people's debt problems but we can help by being a sounding board, and although we don't offer advice, through our expertise and training we can help our callers to try to find a solution for themselves.”

Director Phil Hawkins added: “Even with such a strong team of volunteers, who willingly give up their time to help others, there is always a need to raise more funds. Many of our callers tell us that without Samaritans they would never have survived.

“We are hoping to be able to use Linda's media expertise to maximise the small amount we have available to promote our activities in the local area.”

TO find out more about the Samaritans, and how you can help contact the local branch on 01823-288998.