LONG-SERVING volunteers who help people in their time of need have been given special recognition.

Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset has been celebrating the contribution of their longest-serving helpers at a special ceremony.

Fifty of the volunteers have been helping at the Samaritans for more than five years. They each received a certificate recognising the support they've given to callers who have reached out to them.

Within the 50, ten of them have been helping for more than 25 years, and the longest-serving people have mounted up 185 years between them.

The five longest-serving volunteers are Michael Benison, Michael Bown, Sarah Bathurst, Eric Chown and Susann Parker. Each of them received a personal tribute outlining their outstanding contribution to Samaritans.

Director Bob Cornes said “We wanted to recognise the thousands of hours that these long-serving volunteers have given to Samaritans. It was an opportunity to thank them for the emotional support they have given to countless callers over the years. Samaritans’ mission is that fewer people die by suicide and I like to think that there are many individuals alive today who might not have been without the dedicated service of these experienced and inspirational volunteers.”

The ceremony, at The Moose Hall in Taunton, was part of the organisations 50th anniversary celebrations.

Current director, Mr Cornes, was joined by former directors Sara Mace, Ian Hawkins and Liz Flower in presenting the awards.

Mrs Flower read out a message from former Director, 93 year old Betty Carter, who emigrated to Australia two years ago and who vividly remembers the early years of the branch and the friendships forged amongst volunteers.

Last year the 85 listening volunteers at Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset answered 35,000 calls and 4,000 emails and texts. They will be open as usual every day over the Christmas period and anyone can call the Samaritans emotional helpline on 116123. Calls are free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to call in at the branch at 16, Wood Street between 9am and 9pm every day of the year.