Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge will be turning green this weekend to highlight the work of the Samaritans.
BCP Council has agreed to light up the bridge to mark the Samaritans being named Charity of the Year for Sunday’s TCS London Marathon.
While thousands of runners take on the 26.2-mile route, Samaritans’ volunteers across the UK and Ireland will also be cheering on participants who are taking on London Marathon’s MyWay, a remote version of marathon the public can take part in wherever they want.
Coinciding with the event, volunteers from Samaritans of Bournemouth & District are organising what’s being described as a town takeover for the weekend.
They will be joining the Samaritans charity shop team at 246 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.
The suicide prevention charity is aiming to tackle the stigma around suicide, through its London Marathon partnership.
It will be sharing stories of hope and encouraging the public to play a part in suicide prevention to help others to believe in tomorrow.
Samaritans of Bournemouth & District Branch Director, Charlie said: “At a marathon we see people rally together to support their loved ones, knowing their support can help get them through it.
“Yet many people struggle with suicidal thoughts in silence.
“Lighting up the iconic Twin Sails Bridge, in Poole, green for Marathon Day is a reminder that Samaritans is here for anyone, wherever they are, that is struggling to cope 24/7, 365 days a year.
“We’re really grateful to everyone for supporting Bournemouth Samaritans and helping us spread this message of hope and reminding people across the BCP area that they are never alone.”
Samaritans is the only charity that provides free, non-judgemental emotional support to is there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across the UK and Ireland.
Samaritans volunteers spent over one million hours responding to calls for help last year and continue to be there around the clock for anyone who needs a listening ear.
To find out more about Samaritans’ #BelieveInTomorrow campaign, visit www.samaritans.org/tomorrow
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org