AN EMAIL counselling service set up by the Samaritans is now one step closer after it received a £2,000 cash boost.
A charity, set up by a national bank, has given the Samaritans £2,000 to buy computer equipment, which will be used to train volunteers to provide advice by email.
Volunteers at the Bromley and Orpington branch say the technology will help to target hard-to-reach groups, such as young men under 35, who are at the highest risk of suicide and depression but often reluctant to speak to counsellors on the telephone.
More than half the Samaritans' branches in the country are already using the modern technology to offer counselling.
Tracey Hort, of the Halifax Bank of Scotland Community Foundation handed over the cash to set up the service.
Users can sign up to anonymous email addresses and an interactive website http://www.changeourminds.com is available for young people.
Email jo@samaritans.org for confidential help, call Bromley and Orpington Samaritans on 01689 833000, or the national helpline on 08457 909090.
April 29, 2003 10:00
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