Support services for expats come in all forms. Organizations have been set up in Spain in order to provide a listening ear to those who have the need to speak to someone.
One such organization is Costa Blanca Samaritans, which provides telephone support to anyone who needs it.
Expats sometimes have to face difficulties which may seem insurmountable, simply because they are now living in a ‘foreign’ land. Having someone at the end of a telephone line can be of real help at times of crises.
It might be problems caused by homesickness, illness, or one of a host of other things which can cause distress and a feeling of hopelessness.
Lynda Bellingham, actress, has thrown her support behind the local charity, and is now Patron for the Costa Blanca Samaritans.
The following has been written by the Costa Blanca Samaritans:
You Talk – We Listen
Telephone Support during Emotional Difficulties
CBS offers a completely confidential, free, telephoned-based emotional support service
How we can help you
However big or small your problem is, and whether you are suicidal or not, Costa Blanca Samaritans provide free, totally confidential emotional support by telephone to any English speaker of any age or nationality, anywhere in Spain. From 8pm to 12 midnight every evening, trained volunteers are ready to listen to you. We will not judge you or tell you what to do but simply listen, whatever your issue, and support you as you explore your feelings about what troubles you, allowing you to decide how you might go forward.
How you can get involved
• Train to become a Listening Volunteer
• Become a Support Volunteer
• Hold a Fund raising Event
• Donate Money
• Spread the Word
How to Contact us
By Telephone: 902 88 35 35 (Calls charged at National rate from Spanish Landlines)
Email for more Info: info@costablancasamaritans.com
Interested in Joining: joinus@costablancasamaritans.com
Website for the Costa Blanca Samaritans
The Drop in Cafe’s doors are open every Monday morning 10am to 12 noon at Laura’s at Westbeach, Avenida Gabriel Miro, Calpe (near the fountain at the bottom of Gabriel Miro). Come and have a coffee and a chat with one of our trained volunteers who will listen to any issues you may be encountering regardless of what the problem is, or how big or small it might seem to be.
We will not judge you or tell you what you should or shouldn’t do or feel but instead, encourage you to explore your situation and feelings in your own way. In the privacy of a separate room from the main cafe, what is heard is entirely confidential within the organisation, and you do not need to give any personal information whatsoever when you talk to a volunteer.
A very warm welcome awaits everyone, so please do come and visit us.
CBS is registered with Generalitat Valenciana as 100% not-for-profit organization under No. CV-01-042952-A and is staffed entirely by volunteers
NIF No. – G54341466
Registered Office – The Mail Box 185, Calle Alhelies, 1. Local 2-4. Orihuela Costa, 03189 Orihuela, Alicante.