Samaritans vow to keep call lines open during coronavirus pandemic

The Samaritans have promised to continue providing their free helpline service during the coronavirus pandemic amid concerns for those battling the virus or self-isolating.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed in the House of Commons yesterday that volunteers can continue carrying out shifts at branches to support those in need.

Helpline staff, who are not paid and are available 24 hours a day were agreed to part of the ‘critical’ workforce providing community support.

The news comes after the reports of several suicides believed to be related to fears over the spread of coronavirus. 

A nurse in her 20s is believed to have killed herself at a central London hospital where eight people have died of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

The woman, who reportedly worked on an intensive care ward at King College Hospital in south London, was found unresponsive at the hospital before police were called at 5.36pm on Monday, officers said. 

Medics battled to save her but she later died. Her next of kin have been informed, the Mirror reports.

And a pensioner found dead in a holiday park pond this week is believed to have tested positive for coronavirus.

The 72-year-old, named locally as Colin, is understood to have drowned himself at Three Ponds Holiday Park in South Heighton, East Sussex, having received the diagnosis.

A nurse in her twenties at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, south London, is believed to have taken her own life. File image used 

Emily Owen (left), 19, passed away in hospital following a suicide attempt after her family said she was unable to cope ‘with her world closing in’ as she feared being isolated with coronavirus

And his death came just hours after the body of another man, also believed to have contracted Covid-19, was found lying face-down in the River Thames in Surrey last night.

Colin had travelled to the park, near Newhaven, a month ago, locals said today, with members of his immediately family believed to have also tested positive for the virus. 

Ruth Sutherland, CEO of Samaritans said: ‘We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for volunteers, and we are doing everything we can to ensure they are safe. We do not expect any volunteer to continue working a shift unless they feel comfortable doing so, considering their own personal and local situation.

‘Volunteer safety remains of the upmost importance, so the situation is continually being monitored and all branches are applying strict guidelines with regard to hygiene standards and social distancing.

A pensioner found dead at Three Ponds Holiday Park in South Heighton, East Sussex this week is believed to have tested positive for coronavirus 

‘We’re working really hard to minimise disruption to our helpline and while it might take us longer to answer the phone and emails, we would like to reassure the public that we are still here for those who need us most.

‘In this challenging time, much of what is happening daily is unprecedented, so it is more important than ever that we keep in touch with the people we care about and reach out to those who many need extra support.

‘Samaritans is monitoring events closely in relation to coronavirus and following the guidance of relevant authorities, and we’re continually reviewing the situation carefully to make sure we keep everyone safe.’

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details