'Text Santa' good news for local charities

The Samaritans are one of nine charities to benefit from the new ITV programme 'Text Santa' this year, which aims to raise funds for the most vulnerable at Christmas.

For the Jersey Samaritans, the partnership is a huge opportunity to raise awareness of what they do, around one of the busiest times of the year.

They are expecting more than 3,000 people to contact them this month, that is 20 per cent more than usual.

The festive period can be a particularly difficult time for those who are perhaps missing a loved one, suffering from depression or dealing with financial difficulties.

Other charities to benefit from Text Santa are Carers UK, Crisis, Help the Hospices, WRVS, and four children's hospital charities -GOSH, Noah's Ark Appeal, Helping Hand, and Yorkhill Children's Foundation.

If you'd like to 'Text Santa' go to www.itv.com/textsanta .

If you need to contact the Samaritans phone (08457) 90 90 90.

And if you are interested in becoming a Samaritan's volunteer there are information sessions at 6pm on Wednesday at Hue Street Centre or at 10.30am on Saturday.
(from CTV)