Samaritans' Smart car visits Rochdale

Simon Danczuk MP, with the Smart car and Chairwoman of the Rochdale Branch, Eleanor Marshall

As part of a nation-wide Samaritans celebration the organisation’s iconic green Smart car stopped by the Rochdale branch on a whistle-stop tour of the country.

This Saturday (24 July 2010) is a celebration day for the Samaritans and as part of the event the car has been travelling night and day to raise awareness of what the charity does.

Last Thursday (15 July 2010) the car was greeted by volunteers and Simon Danczuk MP. Following a few photos the car was then driven on to Bury.

The cars epic journey will finish in Birmingham on Saturday after travelling 5,000 miles.

Chairwoman of the Rochdale branch, Eleanor Marshall said: "We have a very busy Branch here in Rochdale .

“We take 4,369 local calls and emails a year, and about 5,000 from around the North West region per year.

“We work in local schools talking about emotional health and wellbeing and we support Samaritan Listeners in Buckley Hall Prison.

“Our latest project with Network Rail is to support all involved in suicide incidents at Todmorden Station.

Ms Marshall continued: “This 24/7 event is to raise awareness of our service round the Borough of Rochdale. We need your help as volunteers and through your generous donations. We are there for you if you need to call us when in distress.”