Samaritans win Hawks' support

The rugby league team will be warming-up for the match in Samaritans ‘Talk to Us’ shirts, and volunteers from Leeds Samaritans will be present throughout the game on April 17.

Hawks chairman Neil Hampshire said: “When the Samaritans approached the Hawks to ask if we could help celebrate the 50th anniversary of their local branch in Leeds we were only too pleased to agree.

“The Samaritans provide a potentially life-saving service in the communities of south Leeds and so we are only too happy to be able to do whatever we can to help. We hope that by having a presence at our high profile cup game against the Salford Red Devils we will help to raise awareness of the great work of the Samaritans.”

The Leeds Samaritans branch will mark its 50th anniversary on November 7 as part of a year of events.

Leeds Samaritans volunteer and regional marketing officer for Yorkshire and Humberside, Bob Howe, said: “It is so important to get our message across, especially to the highest risk group of people for suicide - men aged 35-50 - that Samaritans are there for anyone, whatever life has thrown at them; whatever they have done; however they might be feeling, just pick up the phone and talk to us.

“Nobody should ever feel stigma or weakness at calling; it’s anonymous, it’s confidential and now it’s free - 116 123, or if people feel more comfortable with writing things down, they can text us on 07725 909090 or email us at [email protected].”

Samaritans relies almost entirely on donations to run its 201 branches and train more than 21,000 dedicated volunteers.