The Samaratans (Bournemnouth) were one of the chosen charities at last years Poole Beer Festival and we were able to raise £1000 for their cause.
This donations has allowed them to buy a new, potentially life-saving defibrillator. The Samaritans group decided to use the donation to purchase a defibrillator, which will be fixed to the Bournemouth branch in Durrant Road and will be available to the local community.
Samaritans Branch Director Charlie said: “Recently, one of our volunteers had a significant heart attack and thankfully he is now recovering well. It has focused our minds though that now would be a good time to make this purchase and it will be a fantastic community asset too, providing reassurance to our branch members and the wider public.”
Darren Lilleker, co-chair of the Poole Beer Festival, said: “We are so pleased to be able to support the Bournemouth branch of the Samaritans in this way. We are aware of the wonderful work that they do providing around the clock emotional and non-judgemental support, offering a safe space to talk through their users’ feelings.
“The commitment of all the volunteers at the Samaritans is completely admirable. It makes us proud to be able to help.”
Celia Chambers, secretary to East Dorset CAMRA, presented the defibrillator to the branch in May after a day of first aid training for 12 Samaritan volunteers. Celia said that following a much-loved member of the group taking their own life, they were delighted to lend their support to Samaritans.
Bournemouth Samaritans will now be informing their local community about the roles undertaken by Samaritans and that the defibrillator is now available.
