Our visit to The Watch House

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade is a shore-based organisation which provides a 24/7 Search and Rescue service to support HM Coastguard dealing with a wide range of emergency incidents in and around the South Tyneside area. The Brigade has been operating since 1866 and is run entirely by volunteers who rely on fundraising to support their endeavours to remain “Always Ready” to help those in peril around our rivers and shores.

Nat K and Helen were kindly invited along to meet the amazing volunteers.  We had the opportunity to tell them all about Billy's Lifeline and give guidance on how they can signpost family and friends who are affected by a bereavement to suicide. 

We are very grateful to the Westy the Brigade Captain and his team of dedicated volunteers who give up their time and put themselves at risk to rescue others. It’s important to remember that the team are often the first responders to people who may find themselves in their darkest hour which could tragically end with them losing their life. 

This can have a massive traumatic impact on them, and we wanted to make sure they knew that we are here for them too. Thank you for having us and thank you to the lovely Shiv for organising.  

We would also like to thank the wonderful organisation that is BAGS for Strife for donating a self-care bag for each of SSVLB volunteers.