The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Samaritans have received a £10,000 donation from North East Lincolnshire Council.
The local branch of the charity are the latest benefactors of the Council’s metal recycling scheme.
The Samaritans offer a free listening service to people across the UK. The telephone number is 116123.
The metal recycling scheme is operated by the council in conjunction with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
When a cremation has taken place the remains contain metal from the coffin and often from orthopaedic implants like hip and knee replacement joints.
In the past this metal was removed and buried in the grounds of the cemetery. More recently however, with the onset of modern waste management regulations, the Environment Agency indicated that once the metal is removed from the cremated remains it becomes waste, albeit very sensitive material.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland takes their own life, and that is a tragedy.
“Worse still, this pandemic has thrown a lot of things into uncertainty for people, so there are likely to be more people in need of a listening ear now more than ever.
“The Samaritans offer that listening ear. They are on hand throughout the year to listen and help people to talk through their problems.
“I’m really pleased that we are able to make this donation. Each year the proceeds from the scheme are donated to lots of worthy local causes.”
Carmen from Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Samaritans, said: “The donation will make a massive difference to us this year.
“We fundraise to keep our branch running and we are currently unable to fundraise in our usual ways due to the pandemic. The money will help us continue to provide our service to those in need.”
The Samaritans are always looking for new listening and support volunteers. To find out more, email grimsby@samaritans.org
Article and image from NELC.
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