On Monday 24th July the Samaritans are holding their first National Fundraising and Awareness Raising Day. The Samaritans offer a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to everybody who needs emotional support. Fundraising is vital to keep this support network going, as it is run largely by volunteers.

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow said today: "The Samaritans offer the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice - this is an important emotional support to the most vulnerable in our society. The Samaritans are always looking to train up future generations of volunteers, which costs money since they provide a rigorous training programme to ensure their volunteers are equipped to help with the most troubled cases."

The Samaritans say £2.30 pays for a volunteer to answer one call from someone needing emotional support; £109 will pay for a new volunteer to be recruited and trained; £1,000 pays for a volunteer to respond to 400 emails to Samaritans.

The Samaritans have launched a fundraising pack with suggestions how to raise funds for this charity, from a pub quiz to a sponsored walk. To get your pack, go on-line to www.samaritans.org or call their information line on 020 8394 8393.