Sixth Formers help Samaritans

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 7th of January 2015

Sixth Form students at St Benedict's School decided this year to support the Ealing branch of the Samaritans, raising £590.44 for the charity as part of their commitment to serve their local community and consider the needs of others. The Ealing Samaritans addressed the Sixth Form during an extended assembly at the end of term. This gave the students and staff an opportunity to learn about the services provided by the Samaritans and how the organisation could support them if they needed to talk through any concerns, worries or troubles. 'Whilst the school provides outstanding pastoral care,' said Miss Dunlea, Deputy Director of Sixth Form who, along with Mrs Greenhough helped co-ordinate the charitable appeal, 'we are ever mindful of the array of pressures young adults face today and the need to provide them with as many avenues as possible to address those.'

For many of the students the talk was an eye-opener. 'Many of us weren't aware that the Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and that a volunteer will always answer every call', said Phelim Kavanagh. Ferdinand Gakpetor added, 'Not everyone finds this time of year easy. You may feel all alone in the world, full of thoughts, yet you can call, email or text them.' A spokesperson for the Ealing Samaritans said they were delighted at the sum raised and looked forward to developing future supportive links with the school.