THE Swindon & District branch of the Samaritans will install an additional emergency helpline.

The charity will pay for it with some of the £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes Wessex's Community Champions initiative.

Nationally, the scheme has donated more than £2million for good causes and community groups.

The Samaritans' Curtis Street branch answered more than 16,000 emergency calls last year.

Volunteer Paul Bentley, said: “We want to install an extra helpline, taking us from two to three lines.

"This means we can answer more calls from people who are struggling to cope in their lives.

“We are the only charity in Swindon that can offer this kind of support and we are proud of that fact.

"Feedback from the public suggests that the support provided by our volunteers is both life-changing and life-saving.

“We can’t thank Persimmon enough for its generous funding.”

Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re delighted to help a cause that is so vital to our community.

"They do incredible work throughout the region. Their empathy and compassion is so important to people in their time of need."

Anyone who needs support can call the Samaritans on 01793 537373.

Apply for the Community Champions scheme via persimmonhomes.com/charity