For those who have “given something up” for Lent – the good news is that there is (at time of going to press…) only ten days left and counting… I am amongst their number but I am always rather more impressed with those who instead of giving something up, take something up and then keep it going! In my role I hear the most amazing stories about voluntary work that people undertake, doing so much to help others.
Perhaps the starkest area where people need help is when they feel they have nobody to whom they can turn. Anyone who is lonely or feeling desperate –and the earlier they can get in touch the better – knows there is help at hand 24 hours a day through the Samaritans. They are always looking “for an ordinary person like you to join ordinary people like us doing extraordinary things”. For those interested in finding out more and possibly being trained to help on the phones or in person at Denne Road there are Information Sessions on 19th April and 20th May – full information on their website.
Suicide prevention is receiving a lot of emphasis with the Government recently updating its prevention strategy and West Sussex publishing its own this summer. There is a widespread belief that more can be done to support the extraordinary work of the voluntary sector.
The reality is however that for some the worst does happen and they have to come to terms with a death in the family from this tragic cause. Family bereavement is always dreadful but family bereavement in these circumstances requires particular understanding and support.
It was a privilege to meet recently Sarah who as a volunteer co-ordinates a new Horsham based support group. SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) is part of a national charity and meets in Horsham on the first Wednesday of every month. I know it has already proved incredibly helpful to some of those locally who have been affected. Anyone who wishes to get in contact will find all the details on-line via “SOBS Horsham”. It is yet another example of how volunteers can be empowered and really make an enormous difference.