Security upgrade completed at Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk Samaritans thanks to town council grant

A town's Samaritans branch that answers thousands of calls every year from people in distress has been given a security upgrade.

Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk Samaritans has installed a new door, canopy and security fob system at its Northgate Street Business Park home in a £6,500 project that was made possible thanks to a £4,000 grant from Bury St Edmunds Town Council.

The busy branch is regularly used by its 120 volunteers, including many who are on late and night shifts. The existing door needed to be replaced to keep the building and volunteers secure.

Anna Berridge, Samaritans branch director, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Bury St Edmunds Town Council for their generous contribution towards our new door, security fob system and canopy.

“Our branch is at the heart of everything we do - it’s where our volunteers dedicate their time to supporting thousands of callers every year, but it's also where we train new Samaritans, organise fundraising events and coordinate local outreach.

“Making sure it operates safely and efficiently is essential, and this support will make a real difference.”

The branch has been supporting people in distress and at risk of suicide for over 50 years.

Last year, its listening volunteers answered more than 23,000 calls from around the country. They also supported local people through the branch's outreach programme, including at Bury and Stowmarket railway stations, Bury Drop In and Highpoint Prison.

Cllr Diane Hind, Bury St Edmunds Mayor, said: “The Samaritans provide a unique and valuable service, and the volunteers are the most important part.

“Listening to and helping people who are potentially at their lowest ebb takes a very special gift, and it’s essential the volunteers can do so in a safe environment. So I’m pleased the town council could make this contribution.”

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Bury St Edmunds town councillor and leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “The town council is proud to support Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk Samaritans by helping to fund the new door, security fob system and canopy.

“Every year, Samaritans volunteers give hours to supporting people in distress. It's essential they can do so safely and securely, and we're pleased to play a part in making that possible."

To find out more about Samaritans or to donate or volunteer with the branch, visit www.samaritans.org/branches/bury-st-edmunds/