Torbay Council supporting the vulnerable

Call-back service to help those in need

Torbay council has agreed to set up a third-party callback service with the charity to ensure that vulnerable people are offered the help they need.

From this month, the council’s customer-facing staff have been referring people to Samaritans South Devon with the individual’s consent.

Those desperately in need only need to answer when Samaritans call back, removing the need to actively contact them. If a council member identifies someone needing help, they can offer a confidential call from the Samaritans.

The council employee will then pass on the first name of the person and a contact number to the Samaritans, as well as two times for them to call back.

Councillor Hayley Tranter from Torbay Council highlighted the Samaritans' support for people facing challenges, providing a space to discuss issues and problems.

She says “It could be a lifesaver for someone in real turmoil.”

Dean Sanders, Samaritans South Devon Director, said: “We have 90 trained Listening Volunteers at our Torquay center who provide non-judgmental emotional support through callbacks, allowing individuals to freely express their feelings.”

Anyone can contact the Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even from a mobile without credit.