THE Taunton branch of Samaritans was at Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025 to show their support for the town’s veteran community.
The branch, which has around 100 volunteers, provides a lifesaving service each year, dealing with over 20,000 calls, which averages around 100 contacts with callers per day.
Read More:
Residents Walk for a Life for suicide awareness in Taunton
Tributes paid to Wellington's Pauline Sturgess, 95
The volume of contacts is one of the highest of all the branches in the UK, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the volunteers.
“We are here at Somerset Armed Forces Day to raise awareness that there’s always someone there at the end of the phone. We deal with a whole range of people from all walks of life”, volunteer Nigel Douch said.
The Samaritans are one a small number of charities with a support helpline for veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces or family members. It provides a safe and non-judgemental space for people who have served in the Armed Forces to talk about their experiences.
Speaking about the veteran helpline, volunteer Jeanette Heaslewood said that it provided veterans with a “dedicated” listening service, which can be accessed by calling 0808 175 3075 at any time for free.
The Taunton branch of Samaritans was first founded in 1968 and originally based in Bridgwater, before it moved to its current based at Wood Street in the town.
Many of the charity’s volunteers live in and around Taunton, but some travel from the surrounding areas of Wellington, Minehead, Bridgwater, Tiverton, Ilminster and many of the outlying villages.
The Samaritans, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can be contacted for free by phone on 116 123 and by email at: jo@samaritans.org.
Share