CUSTOMERS at The Cumberland building society has given work on suicide prevention in the region a boost as they raise money for Samaritans.

The building society, which is committed to 'Kinder Banking', will be donating £19,916 to Samaritans. The money will allow the charity’s volunteers to respond to 4,000 calls from people struggling to cope.

Harriet Foster, the charity’s corporate partnerships executive said:

“We are delighted that The Cumberland has chosen to donate an amazing £20,000 to Samaritans."

“Your support means we can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope. Thank you, we are so grateful. Together we can make change that saves lives.”

Lisa Birdsall, operations team leader at The Cumberland, is one of the building society’s mental health and wellbeing champions.

She said: “I was so pleased and proud when I saw the money was going to Samaritans this year. I lost my brother to suicide in 2015 and I know how crucial this work is."

Lisa runs suicide awareness and prevention sessions at The Cumberland for colleagues working in the customer care and arrears departments. She also volunteers for the charity Every Life Matters including on the Suicide Safer Community Action Group.

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