YEOVIL NEWS: New home for Yeovil Samaritans

THE Samaritans of Yeovil, Sherborne and District are delighted to announce they will shortly be moving into a new home. 

Morley House, located on West Hendford in Yeovil, will become the new branch centre next year, once it has undergone a refurbishment programme.

Sarah Coote, branch director, who is delighted at the news, said: “It’s been a whirlwind year for our branch.

“We were extremely fortunate to be left an incredible legacy from a local resident which is going to help us to achieve our vision for this Branch of Samaritans – to increase our volunteer numbers so we can contribute to the national 24/7 service even more effectively and to offer more space for face to face callers.

“We now have 116 listening and support volunteers at the Yeovil Branch.  Our current base at 25 The Park is lovely but becoming too small for our needs. The location is also difficult for some people to find.

“We want to be right in the heart of the town centre, firmly embedded in the community, so we can be right there for when people need us, and Morley House delivers on all fronts.”

Morley House occupies just over 5,000 square feet over three floors.  Formerly owned by South Somerset Council, the building came up for sale in late September and final bids were submitted in October.

Sarah added: “The South West has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK’. ‘Whilst pressures on mental health services increase, there is an urgent need for safe, low cost venues to be made available to local organisations.

“We will be in a position to offer such a space at Morley House.

“We would like to thank everyone who was so supportive of our Branch in the bid process.  It’s lovely to know so many people value our contribution to Yeovil and the surrounding environs. Of course, our biggest thanks go to John Grant whose generous legacy has made this purchase possible.”

Could you volunteer with Samaritans?  If you are over 18, why not join us at our information evenings on the first Wednesday of every month which will be held at our current premises at 25 The Park until we move to our new centre.  You will be fully trained and become part of a supportive, friendly and worthwhile organization working in a fantastic new building.

To find out more, call our information  line on 01935 414015,  email recruitment@yeovilsamaritans.org.uk or visit the website at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-yeovil-sherborne-and-district

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