News

Samaritans in NZ and Australia bridge time zones to provide support

20^th January 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

New Zealand’s most established emotional support service is leveraging time zone differences in Tasmania and Western Australia to enhance Samaritans service to people needing support at any time of the day or night.

Wellington, Perth and Launceston Samaritans centres have been operating independently for around 50 years and have now started to share volunteer hours effectively to provide 24 hour coverage.

Media Release: 7th October 2015

Samaritans urge New Zealanders to be proactive about preventing suicide after provisional suicide statistics released yesterday confirm 564 lives were lost by suicide in 2014/15.

The statistics released by Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshal are the highest ever recorded in New Zealand, with an increase of 35 more deaths by suicide this year.  

During September this year 3.9% of callers to Wellington Samaritans were suicidal at time of the call.

There is still time to join the next training course in Wellington, starting mid-October 2015.

Just click on Volunteer in the bar above and complete the online form or ring Carol in our office on 04 472 3676.

If you missed our fantastic volunteers collecting in Wellington, Porirua, Johnsonville and Lower Hutt during our street appeal on 14 and 15 August, don't despair!

You can still give-a-little at https://givealittle.co.nz/org/wellingtonsamaritans or click on the DONATE button on the sidebar on this webpage.

It's that easy to keep the Samaritans on the phone for another year!

CONTACT us on 04 472 3676 or email marketing@samaritans.org.nz if you can collect for us in Wellington on the 14th or 15th of August.

Are you a good listener?

Thank you to everyone who gave so generously on 22 and 23 August!

We met and spoke to many people, some of whom also thanked us for being there when they needed someone to listen. Hearing those snippets makes it so worthwhile.

If you missed us, it is not too late! You can still TEXT 2014 to 2446 to donate $3 to the Samaritans!

Wellington Samaritans are currently seeking volunteers (Sams) for their next training course beginning in October 2014. We are looking for people who are good listeners, non-judgmental and empathetic, to help us operate our 24-hour helpline.

If that sounds like you CONTACT US NOW. Call us on 472 3676 or email wellington@samaritans.org.nz to apply.

Whirlwind Stories is a really great initiative to help enable men to positively embrace their mental health through the sharing of stories.

They've produced a bunch of postcards and behind each postcard is a man's story. Each story is about difficult times and about that man's ability to survive and adapt and get through the tough stuff. Each story is a story of hope.

They've also dedicated an album, Whirlwind, to the cause and it's great. If you want a copy Marbecks are selling them for a gold coin donation.