Thanks from the Samaritans

admin   October 28, 2021   Comments Off on Thanks from the Samaritans

As reported last week, we raised over £2000 for the local Samaritans at the Tour of Strangford in September. Club members Dean Bradley and Heather Hamilton presented the cheque to Wesley Wilson (Director Bangor and North Down Samaritans) recently, and Wesley has now sent the attached report to some of the local papers – check out the Chronicle and the Spectator. Thanks again to all who took part.

ARDS CYCLISTS SUPPORT SAMARITANS

Pictured Here are Dean Bradley from Ards Cycling Club making their donation of £2010 to Wesley Wilson, Director of Bangor and North Down Samaritans, supported by Heather Hamilton, member of Ards Cycling Club and a Volunteer with Samaritans

When Ards Cycling Club were planning their annual Cycling Sportive, they were aware of those struggling with mental health issues in our community.  They also knew that this issue had been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dean Bradley from Ards Cycling Club said: ‘As a way of helping to provide that much-needed support, we decided to use our Sportive to raise funding for Bangor and North Down Samaritans who, we knew, provide emotional support to those with mental health issues’.

The Cycling Sportive involved hundreds of cyclists and took place around the Ards Peninsula with Samaritan Volunteers providing a Refreshment Point on the route.

The Director of Bangor and North Down Samaritans, Wesley Wilson, accompanied by Heather Hamilton, a Volunteer, gratefully accepted a donation of £2,010 from Dean.

Wesley said:  ‘This funding is very much needed by the local Samaritans Branch which provides emotional support throughout the year.  This donation ensures that help will be provided to around 400 of our 20,000 callers each year.  Samaritans provide emotional support to those who are lonely, in despair or are feeling suicidal.  Anyone in need of emotional support can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, any day by ringing their confidential, free helpline on 116123, email jo@samaritans.org, or online through their website www.samaritans.org.  Samaritans also provide a self-help App on their website which is used by over 5,000 callers each year.