'A compelling read, giving an excellent insight into the work of Samaritan volunteers. Fascinating for Samaritans and non-Samaritans alike.' Carol 766, Director - Colchester, Tendring and Suffolk Borders Samaritans In the course of their Samaritan training, Lucy and Gerald come to understand what has brought them to this point in their lives. Gerald's desire to help others leads him elsewhere, while Lucy starts taking calls, supporting the distressed and suicidal in their time of greatest need. They soon find themselves working together in a race against time to track down Lucy's friend Alison as, haunted by past events, she runs from herself and her memories. "A moving and inspiring book that should be freely available in all shops, charities and health centres...... A simple quick read about the work of the Samaritans, but although fictional the author.... spent many years volunteering for the Samaritans. (I had fun guessing which character was based on himself!).....Engaging, empathetic, glad to come away with a better understanding of the Samaritans. Warmly told and finished reading "wanting more"." Gail Evans, Essex About the SamaritansSamaritans was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, a vicar who had conducted a funeral for a fourteen-year-old girl who had killed herself, believing her first period to be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. At his church he provided a space and a phone line so that anyone in distress and/or feeling suicidal could have their voice heard and be supported. As he saw those waiting to speak to him unburdening themselves to his helpers, he soon recognised that it was the act of listening itself that was so important and effective. There are now over twenty thousand Samaritan volunteers, in branches throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland, offering confidential emotional support every single hour of every single day of the year, on the phone, face to face, by email and SMS. If you are interested in finding out more about the work of Samaritans, nationally and locally, then visit the website at www.samaritans.org.
