Newly refurbished workplace to enable Samaritans to expand its support

Samaritans will be able to expand its support across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead in a newly refurbished workplace funded by local businesses and the public.

The area branch on Uxbridge Road, Slough, was reopened last Saturday, in an event attended by the Mayor of Slough, Councillor Balwinder Dhillon.

The updated premises will allow more volunteers for the suicide-prevention charity to take calls and support service users, as well as providing a dedicated space for training new volunteers.

Sue Yerburgh, branch director of Slough, Windsor, and Maidenhead Samaritans, said: “Our premises provide a welcoming environment for people to volunteer in and now the space can do even more, with the first group of new volunteers having just started their training in our expanded space.”

She said the need for funds is always there to help with maintenance and running costs of the charity and she welcomed further donations and new volunteers.

The charity’s aim is that fewer people die by suicide, and listening volunteers are available on the phone 24 hours a day to support anyone who is struggling to cope, whatever the reason.

They provide confidential support to improve emotional health and reduce the incidence of suicide.

Before the refurbishment, in 2023, more than 100 volunteers contributed to the Slough branch operations. They typically fielded 1,500 calls per month, a number which is expected to increase with the improved capacity.

Organisations which contributed to the refurbishment include Alexis Flooring, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Cala Homes, Garfield Weston, Louis Baylis Trust, Mobbs Memorial Trust, Shanly Charitable Trust, and the Syder Foundation.

There are 200 Samaritans charity branches across the country, sustained by more than 23,000 volunteers.

Samaritans can be called for free on 116 123 or emailed at jo@samaritans.org. For information on volunteering or to donate, visit www.samaritans.org/slough.