Samaritans volunteer visits Weston-super-Mare as part of mission to walk to every branch in UK and Republic of Ireland

A Samaritans volunteer visited Weston-super-Mare last week as part of a mission to walk to every branch across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

David Matthews, known as The Listening Walker, is currently undertaking a 6,000-mile journey over 12 months to visit more than 200 Samaritans branches to raise awareness of its work on suicide prevention and raise £50,000 for the charity.

David Matthews outside the Weston Branch of Samaritans (Photo: Supplied)

As part of the challenge, he visited the Weston-super-Mare branch on High Street on Thursday (May 7), meeting volunteers and learning more about the support they provide.

He said: “Over the next 12 months I’ll be visiting over 200 physical branches and raising awareness of the amazing work they do by being there for people, either by telephone, email, online chat and even by written letter.

"Just because many of us don’t live near a Samaritans branch doesn’t mean help isn’t at hand, the Samaritans are there for all of us in our darkest moments. 24 hours a day, 7 day a week.

"On my journey I’ll meet many local and national suicide awareness and support groups to say ‘thank you'.

"If I had one wish, it would be for everyone to know they are not alone in their moment of need.

"Every journey we take in life has its challenges and out of these come some amazingly positive experiences and knowing that many of you will be inspired to donate gives me the strength and courage to complete this walk."

David, who previously completed the same challenge between 2019 and 2021, has a fundraising page which you can support by clicking here

More than 7,000 people die by suicide annually in the UK. Samaritans helps those in need by providing round-the-clock support. 

Anyone who is struggling support can contact them for free on 116 123.