VOLUNTEERS from a charity at the heart of mental health support are set to take on the unpredictable conditions of the Sahara Desert in an extreme charity walk.

The trekking challenge this November will be a real team effort as Samaritans of Taunton & Somerset join forces with 13 branches that form the network of Samaritans’ support across the South West including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol and Bath.

From November 14 to November 21, 24 participants will undertake the 100km trek, over five days, across the forbidding landscape of the Sahara Desert.

They will face gruelling treks of up to eight hour each day covering 17 to 25 kilometres over desert plateaus and undulating sand dunes, punishing their feet over hard, rocky terrain and hot sand.

With very basic overnight camping facilities will leave them exposed to desert winds, while they will face exhausting temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night.

Conditions will be challenging with unusual weather patterns, wildlife and the differing strengths and abilities of the group.

Volunteers will tackle the extreme walk across the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, to raise funds to be shared equally across the branches. Each an independent charity in their own right, they are reliant on raising their own funds every year to deliver much-needed services.

Participants need to raise £1500 in individual sponsorship to take part in the challenge, and the event aims to raise public donations and corporate sponsorship to be shared equally across the South West branches.

Regional co-director of Samaritans South West, Sue Wilkins, said: “Each branch is an independently registered local charity, run entirely by volunteers, feeding into a national network of Samaritans to provide emotional support to people who are struggling to cope, including those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“Each year the South West region responds to thousands of people seeking emotional support by phone and online, feeding into a national network where the first available Samaritan responds.

“The branches also reach many thousands of people each year through proactive work within the community, raising awareness of Samaritans and helping people know where they can find support when they need it.”

Sue added: “Supporting our challenge will have far-reaching and positive outcomes. Every contact Samaritans answers is an opportunity to be there for someone at a time when they may need us most.”

Kirsti Nelson, director of the Samaritans of Taunton & Somerset branch of the network said: “In a fantastic team effort, spanning the whole South West region, ours is one of the 13 branches that will benefit from the funds raised and we cannot thank all of the volunteers enough for taking part.”

You can follow the progress of the Samaritans (South West) Sahara Challenge in the lead up and during the walk on social media at #SamaritansSWSaharaChallenge.

If you would like to support the Samaritans South West Sahara Challenge, to be shared across the South West branches visit their website.