Some 116 Samaritans volunteers from Exeter, Mid and East Devon branch have answered 47,588 calls, emails and texts for help in the last 12 months.
The figures are being issued to coincide with Volunteers Week from June 1 to June 7, organised to highlight the work of the charity’s volunteers.
Like all Samaritans volunteers across the country these are ordinary people who dedicate time each week to provide a safe space for anyone struggling to cope.
One local volunteer is Sally who, like many, came to Samaritans after a personal experience.
Local charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau today publishes its latest advice trend statistics which show that so far this financial year it has helped 4,976 people directly with advice and information.
On average, clients with debt problems had debts totaling £15,685.79, up by £2,488.38 on the same period the previous year.
The amount of advice that the charity has been able to provide has increased in the following areas compared to the same period last year:
Welfare benefits
• 28.2% increase in enquires about council tax benefit/local support • 24.8%...
Help is at hand for anyone who finds themselves homeless over the Christmas period.
Exeter City Council is making people aware of its out-of-hours emergency number for anyone in crisis over the holidays.
"We know that Christmas is a special time of the year for many people but recognise that it can also be a challenging time for others, with family fall-outs and incidents of domestic violence," said Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Housing and Customer Access.
"If anyone finds themselves homeless over Christmas or knows of someone out on the streets, they can...
Winner of Best Actress and nominated for Best Original Show at Reading Fringe Festival.
Viki is not coping. Seeing people is a strain. Reading a book is a battle. Going food shopping is a horse-race and she's in last place. It's time to stop pretending to be ok. It's time to ask for help.
HELP! is an engaging solo performance which questions what we know about ourselves. It is about falling apart, pulling yourself together and being surprised by what you are left with. Taking you from the dairy isle of Sainsbury's to the greens of Ascot, via a disco of dirty secrets with a...
The Transitions Project is recruiting volunteers to act as mentors to people who are making changes in their lives, to improve their wellbeing and independence. Our clients may have been homeless, experienced mental health problems or addictions, or other difficult life experiences. Mentoring support can help clients manage change, set goals, improve their confidence and skills. Training and support is provided, the course consists of six Friday mornings starting 31 Jan. For an application pack, contact laura@eci.org.uk or phone 01392 205800.
Action for Blind People has developed The Living with Sight Loss (LWSL) course for people who are newly diagnosed, or anyone coming to terms, with sight loss. It aims to provide practical knowledge, information and support whilst empowering visually impaired people to gain confidence and independence.
The courses provide an opportunity to explore a range of different subjects from volunteering and peer support to emotional wellbeing and nutrition. They also provide an opportunity to meet professionals from a range of services such as Guide Dogs, RNIB, Social Services and the NHS to...
As Christmas approaches, local charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau is helping people avoid Christmas debt hangovers by sharing their top ten tips for keeping festive finances in check.
Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau Chief Executive Steve Barriball, said:
“We all want to have the best possible Christmas. It's important to be savvy when shopping and to be aware of how spending pans out.”
The top tips are:
Plan early
Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person– and stick to...
If you are looking for a new challenge to keep your days busy, Exeter CVS brings you a wide variety of volunteering opportunities as part of Volunteering Opportunities Week...
ARE YOU HAPPY IN AN OFFICE?
SAFE is looking for someone to help them out with admin. If you enjoy inputting data, photocopying and filing, sending e mails or even updating statistics, Karen Bishop would like to hear from you on 07966 874399 Ref 3279
FUN…..FUN….FUN….
A great chance for anyone wanting health & social care experience, Whizz – Kidz is looking for people to...
Well it appears Exeter is full of good people. My second feel-good story takes place in an unlikely location... a takeaway.
I walked in at around midnight to order some food and was shortly followed by two other gentlemen. I’d been waiting for 5 minutes when another man stumbled in and slouched down in a chair looking the worse for wear. Concerned, the two men approached him and asked if he was ok. Unable to get much sense from him they ordered him some chips and sat with him. After a few minutes, they managed to ascertain in which direction the inebriated man was heading. Taking...
Hi Everyone, I wanted to set myself a challenge, so in May 2013 I will be running 13.1 miles each day , all in aid of Help For Heroes. Having suffered PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) myself from a push bike accident in 2000, I wanted to help out men and women fighting for this country and help with their rehabilitation back into society. To help me reach my goal of raising £5,000 you can text HERO86 £5 to 70070, the amount can be changed, £5 is just an example, or go online to my Just giving page at www.justgiving.com/andy-southard3 and follow the instructions. Please help this...
