THE Samaritans branch in Exeter, Mid and East Devon has set out its priorities for the next 12 months including working more closely with schools and organisations like bereavement care service Cruse.

The programme was set out by Samaritans branch director Helen Crossfield at the organisation's annual general meeting, held at Exeter Guildhall and attended by 80 volunteers and supporters.

"We plan to support those bereaved by suicide by working in partnership with Cruse. Two of our volunteers will be trained shortly to take part in a providing a support group.

"And our newly-formed schools team is making contact with schools to work with staff to make students aware of what we can offer and how they can contact us" says Helen.

This is in addition to Samaritans' existing work in Exeter Prison where there is a listener scheme in which prisoners offer support to each other.

"We believe through our support people feel calmer, understood and less alone, gain perspective and see new ways of dealing with our situation" explains Helen.

"It's one of our objectives for the next year to work with more organisations and make it as easy as possible for people to contact us for help if they need it' she says.

Samaritans provides support to people who are distressed or in despair which may lead to thoughts of suicide. People can talk to us at any time, in their own way and in confidence, about whatever is going on in their life.