Blueberry Academy to raise money for Samaritans of Scarborough

They’ll be doing a sponsored walk or run

Employees and the young people from Blueberry Academy in Scarborough raising money for Samaritans of Scarborough this month.

They will be doing a sponsored walk or run on the 30th June leaving from the Sea Life Centre at 10am and heading to Scarborough Spa.

The Blueberry Academy team provide specialist support for young people and adults with learning differences, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs and/or other disabilities.

The main aims of Blueberry are to promote employability and independence. They offer education and employment services in York, Selby and Scarborough.

The participants of the event includes Ryan Daniel who helps out at the charity shop once a week and has gained confidence in his skills and carrying out other tasks.

Samaritans of Scarborough volunteers are available through the week to listen to callers who are in distress and offer them emotional support.

The charity says when people contact Samaritans for emotional support, they often mention several concerns, with the primary ones raised related to mental health or illness, family, isolation or loneliness, and relationship problems.

A study reported that callers to Samaritans’ helpline reported a significant reduction in distress. A week after calling Samaritans, seven out of ten callers said they felt the call had a positive impact on how they were feeling.

Anyone who feels they are in distress, can call free on 116123, the service is available 24/7 365 days of the year.

Samaritans also offer a Samaritans’ self-help app on their website. The app offers practical ways to cope and stay safe if you are going through a difficult time.

A spokesperson for Samaritans said: “We are so pleased that the money raised from the sponsored walk/run that Blueberry Academy are completing is coming to Samaritans of Scarborough. As an affiliated branch we must raise over £40,000/annum to keep our local branch running.

“The sponsored event co-insides with the national Samarathon, which is a fundraising challenge for everyone where participants walk, ride, hop, run, wheel or sprint 26.2 miles in July.

“You can complete your miles wherever and whenever you like, fitting the challenge around your life. We encourage everyone to get creative and adapt the challenge to suit your own needs.

“As well as raising vital funds to help us continue to be here 24/7, a big focus for Samarathon is to raise awareness of our services and spread the message that whatever you’re going through Samaritans will face it with you.

“We know times are tough for many right now, which is why we want people taking part in this year’s Samarathon to raise awareness of our services and fundraise where they can.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Hits Radio app.