One good turn deserves another for help group

Samaritans are there 24/7. Photo / Supplied

An organisation dedicated to doing good for others has been offered some support of its own.

The support helpline Samaritans is one of six winners of the Cathay Pacific High-Flyer Community Awards, in association with the Herald on Sunday.

The win, which will allow the charity to fly a volunteer to an international conference in London, comes just as one of the organisation's busiest times is about to start.

The festive season can be the most stressful time of year and Samaritans urges people to pick up the phone and talk about it. The organisation has branches throughout the North Island and is focused on supporting people through their problems and particularly in lowering suicide rates.

"More people die of suicide than on our roads," says marketing co-ordinator Jo Miller. "It needs to be reduced."

Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many and Samaritans wants people to not let their worries spiral out of control, but rather to seek support for emotional distress.

Each year more than 20,000 people call the helpline, 0800 726 666, to receive confidential support from the volunteers who are "the lifeblood of our organisation," says Miller.

"They're there to help them talk through their problems. "

The 24/7 helpline offers people support with everything from depression and bereavement to alcohol and drugs, from loneliness to sex and sexuality.

Volunteer Peter Barker joined the charity 16 years ago after hearing about it from a colleague of his wife.

"We're not necessarily trying to solve people's issues. We listen to them. Often they arrive at the answer themselves," he said.