Rushmere Councillor Stephen Ion took time out when visiting the Ipswich Mela in Christchurch Park to speak to Ipswich & East Suffolk Samaritans about the important work they do for local people.
Stephen said: “It was great to talk to the local volunteers and find out more about the work they do. The Samaritans provide a vital service for people when things are getting to them and they need someone to talk to, they don’t have to be suicidal as many people think.
"People may also not know that all their local people are volunteers and that they have to raise all their funding locally.
"That’s why they are always on the look out for more people to help. You can help in a number of ways, so it’s not just about being a listening volunteer, they need people to help fundraise, to help with admin and IT and many other things.
"None of us knows when we may need a friendly voice to talk to and as a representative of people in Rushmere Ward I want to say thank you to the volunteers for the work that they do on behalf of local people."
If you think you could help in some way, or even just donate why not visit their website at www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-ipswich-and-east-suffolk or contact [email protected]