Samaritans Awareness Day: Platform Supports Cheltenham Branch with Donation

To mark Samaritans Awareness Day (24th July), Platform Home Ownership have made a donation to the Cheltenham Samaritans to raise awareness for the issues many people are facing across Gloucestershire. 

Across the United Kingdom, Samaritans provide a 24-hour support service for those struggling mentally and for those contemplating suicide. Not only this, but they also provide support for those dealing with bereavement as a result of suicide and provide education on coping with difficult feelings in many settings including schools, prisons and in the military. 

The Office for National Statistics found that in 2022, 59 deaths in Gloucestershire were the result of suicide. With the South West being in the top five for the highest rates of suicide per English region. 

The donation will allow Samaritans Cheltenham’s 140 volunteers from all backgrounds, respond to approximately 2,000 calls and provide vital help for those who need it across Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.

Andy Goddard, Branch Director at Samaritans Cheltenham, said: “Cheltenham Samaritans have recently celebrated our 60th anniversary and are proud to support callers and also our local community.   

“Our trained volunteers are there to listen so, whatever you’re going through, callers can call us free, from any phone, on 116 123. 

“We are grateful for this donation by Platform which will enable our volunteers to continue to provide this vital emotional support to those most in need.”

Samaritans Cheltenham is close by to Platform’s upcoming development, Cleeve Gardens located in Bishops Cleeve which will deliver 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes to the local area. This donation contributes to Platform’s pledge to support and engage with the local community where they will be providing affordable, new build homes. 

Sabina Cox, Marketing Manager at Platform, said: “We’re glad to know that this donation will go a long way to supporting those in need around the Cheltenham community.”

“At Platform, giving back to the communities we provide homes for is something we’re passionate about, and that will continue as our development progresses and beyond.”

For more information on Samaritans, or if you would like to make a donation please visit their website.