A PERTH pensioner has shrugged off her 83 years and embraced the latest technology in a fresh attempt by the Samaritans to help those in need of support.

Perth Samaritans’ longest-serving volunteer, Edna, uses Email to reach out to those who find it difficult to talk on the phone.

Where many youngsters may not be inclined to pick up the phone or visit a centre, it is hoped a new Email service will provide an outlet for the voiceless few afraid to ask for help.

Perth is the latest Scottish centre to train its staff in the service, which has so far proved successful in trial areas.

Edna remains undaunted by the latest change to affect her 33-year career. “I had never used a computer before this, so my son bought me a keyboard to practise typing and we’ve had training in responding to Emails.

“It is very different to talking to people on the phone because you have to be a lot more careful. What sounds good when talking can seem different written down.

“You also don’t get the same feel for a person as when you talk directly to them but if we are helping even more people by using Email then it has to be worthwhile.”

Fellow volunteer Louise said, “We find younger folk are using it, which is good for us because there is a high suicide risk among them, but less inclination to pick up the phone because they can find it hard to talk about feelings.

“We have found it can be easier for people to express distressing feelings by writing them down rather than by speaking about them.

“It’s not uncommon to pick up the phone at this end and be met with silence as people struggle to find the words.

“This provides an alternative and a completely safe way for people to express themselves and gain the emotional support that can help them find a way through.”

Although areas already using the system have found it especially popular with younger people, it is by no means exclusive to them.

The Perth centre’s 43 volunteers are all trained in the new system and promise to reply in every case.

The Email address for the Samaritans is jo@samaritans.org