THE Samaritans Exeter, Mid and East Devon branch is holding an information day on Thursday, July 10, to allow anyone interested in finding out more about Samaritans and what they do, to get all the facts.

Samaritan volunteers are ordinary people from all walks of life who give their time to listen, in confidence and without prejudice, to anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

?We live in stressful times,? said Rosemary, director of the Exeter branch. ?Without someone to talk to it is easy for stress and anxiety to build up until they seem impossible to deal with.?

Over the past few years, the number of Samaritan volunteers has fallen. Some turnover is inevitable as people move away or need a break, but the decrease in volunteer numbers is worrying in the context of an increased demand for the service.

Samaritan values are based on a belief in being listened to, in an accepting and safe environment, can help to lessen feelings of desperation and may assist in beginning to find a way forward.

Anyone with a little time to spare who thinks they could

become a good listener is invited to come along to the branch at 10 Richmond Road, Exeter ?just off Bystock Square, near the clock tower, at 12.30pm on Thursday, July 10.

If this date does not suit, there will be further opportunities later in the year.

For further information contact the branch on 01392 411711.