EYG donation helps create comfortable base for Samaritans volunteers offering much needed support through night

15th May 2017

Volunteers offering a sympathetic ear and understanding to those in need of support throughout the night will now be able to do so in greater comfort after a donation of new windows to Hull Samaritans.

The base for volunteers manning phones overnight in Spring Bank, Hull, had been far from the most comfortable in recent times, leading to a revamp of facilities to include new beds, tables, seating and lockers.

With the upper floor overnight sleeping space letting in a significant draft and proving cold through the night, the charity began to seek quotes from local firms for replacement windows.

It was hoping for a deal which would not delve too deeply into funds, given all money for the service has to come from donations and fundraising.

It was then that EYG Windows – which was established in Hessle Road more than 45 years ago and still has its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Hull – stepped forward.

“I spoke to the managing director Nick Ward and was hoping he’d offer me a discount such as not charging us for the labour or materials,” said Hull Samaritans director Esther,

“When I explained what they were for though and why we wanted to make it more comfortable for our volunteers, he just said it was something they’d do completely free of charge, which was a wonderful gesture.

“The night shift manning the phones is our busiest time with two shifts from 1am until 4am and 4am until 7am. Many of our volunteers like to arrive a few hours early and sleep at the premises before, whilst some arrive for the start of their shift and like to sleep here for a few hours after, before heading home.

“It really wasn’t the most comfortable or cosy of places beforehand, so this has made it a much more pleasant environment for our volunteers, who of course are carrying out such vital support in offering their help to people at a time of need.”

Nick Ward, managing director of EYG Windows, said: “We’ve been delighted to be able to help Esther out and there was no question with regards to providing the products and installing them free of charge.

“It is increasingly difficult for charities to raise funds these days and the money they do raise needs to be spent on ensuring they can continue providing a valuable service to those in need. 

“The Samaritans volunteers do a fantastic job in providing support to people in our city when they are in need of someone to listen and understand them.

“Our windows are all manufactured in Hull and have the highest level of security standards as well as the highest-possible rating for energy efficiency, so the volunteers can be assured of extra warmth, and they’ll be minimal noise from what can be a busy road outside. 

“Hopefully this extra comfort will help make what I am sure can be difficult evenings that bit easier.”

The Hull branch of The Samaritans is one of 203 branches offering everyone, regardless of background, the time and space to work through their problems. More than 70 people volunteer for the charity in Hull, which is always looking for new people to help provide its services. 

“We’re always keen to take on new volunteers and there is no specific age requirement or experience needed,” added Esther.

“There is a long training process, which takes about a year, but anybody with a caring and understanding nature, and who wants to help, can do so. We have a wide range of ages volunteering for us and we’d like to expand that.”

Anybody can call the Freephone line on 116 123, at any time, about anything that's on their mind. It provides a safe place to talk and the call will not show up on any phone bill.

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