Caithness Samaritans and Thurso Street Pastors get share of artists’ cash
Two Thurso charities which offer help in the community have received a donation from local artists.
North Coast Artists has held monthly art sales in the Pentland Hotel for the last five years and has now decided to donate some of the money raised to help others.
The local branch of the Samaritans, based in Riverside Road, and the Thurso Street Pastors each received £300 which will make a difference to the services they provide.
Caithness Samaritans director Barbara explained that at this time of the year people are living in fear of being lonely not knowing who to turn to. There are many who feel under pressure to comply with the expectations on them and they struggle to fit into society.
It is just those people who can benefit from an organisation like the Caithness Samaritans. People in need can call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
Barbara added that volunteer numbers are low at present and the branch is keen to recruit more volunteers. The money donated will ensure volunteers will be able to travel to the centre in Thurso to continue offering the much-needed service.
The Caihtness branch is part of the national organisation and full support and training is available to new volunteers. For more details contact the Samaritans through their website at https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/support-us/volunteer or telephone 0330 094 5717.
Volunteers run more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland. They offer their time to help to deliver a 24-hour emotional support service to callers in many ways, from answering telephones and emails, to fundraising, generating publicity, administration and finance.
The Street Pastors offer a local support service in and around Thurso and can be seen out and about late at night to make sure revellers are looked after. They work closely with other agencies to ensure everyone stays safe and sound.
Thurso’s team leader Richard Sharp said the money donated would help with providing warm clothing and other much-needed protection especially as the cold nights become more and more common.
