SWINDON and District Samaritans are celebrating the arrival of a new van which will help them to deliver a groundbreaking service for vulnerable young people.
The vehicle, which was bought after months of fundraising, has been needed since the previous Sam Van failed its MOT last year.
It will provide vital transport to the Samaritans’ Feet on the Streets initiative, which sees outreach Samaritans volunteers travel to towns within Swindon and the wider area. Branch director Paul Bentley said: “Feet on the Streets helps us engage with parts of the community we traditionally find it difficult to reach, such as younger people and in particular young males, who we know are at higher risk of suicide.
“Feet on the Streets involves Samaritans going out onto our streets in the evenings, taking emotional support to people who might not otherwise contact us.”
During the day the van will be used to collect donations of clothes and bric-a-brac to sell in the Samaritans’ charity shop in Curtis Street, Swindon.
The van was funded through donations from Swindon Rotary Club Marriott Ball, Pride of Swindon Awards and Faringdon Town Council, as well as the local branch’s own fundraising efforts.
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