Lincolnshire Freemasons have made a significant contribution to the region's mental health support services with a £30,000 donation to the Samaritans. This generous gift will enable the charity to upgrade its communication systems, ensuring uninterrupted service as the UK transitions from copper-based phone lines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology in 2025.
Safeguarding a Vital Service
The donation will fund new equipment and training for over 300 volunteers across five Lincolnshire branches. These dedicated individuals responded to more than 37,000 calls for help in the past year alone. The upgrade is crucial for maintaining the Samaritans' 24-hour helpline service, which provides emotional support to thousands in crisis daily.
Jason Jaspal, Samaritans' Assistant Director of Business Development, expressed gratitude for the donation: "This generous contribution from Lincolnshire Freemasons ensures that our five Lincolnshire branches can continue their crucial work not just next year, but for many years to come, potentially saving numerous lives."
A Lasting Impact
Dave Wheeler, Lincolnshire's senior Freemason, emphasized the invaluable nature of the Samaritans' work: "The service provided by Samaritans' volunteers is priceless. This donation will provide a platform for volunteers to help steer people through troubled times, including those we may not realize are struggling in our own circles."
The funds, sourced from the Freemasons' charity MCF, will cover:
- New equipment and installation at five Lincolnshire Samaritans branches
- Specialized headsets, including accessible options for those with hearing aids
- WiFi connectors and USB-connected handsets
- Volunteer training on new technology and systems
- Volunteers' expenses to ensure financial barriers don't hinder participation
- Community outreach initiatives across Lincolnshire
Branch-by-Branch Impact
Last year's statistics highlight the significant reach of Lincolnshire's Samaritans:
- Scunthorpe: 119 volunteers supported 9,579 calls
- Lincoln: 51 volunteers aided 7,352 individuals
- Grimsby & Cleethorpes: 40 volunteers (including shop support) helped 5,076 callers
- Boston: 36 volunteers assisted 4,812 people
- Grantham: 96 volunteers managed 10,247 contacts (9,958 calls and 289 online chats)
This donation ensures that the Samaritans can continue their vital work in Lincolnshire, adapting to technological changes and maintaining their lifeline for those in need.
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