LE SAMU SOCIAL

The Samu social in Le Mans is run by a team of volunteers from the Le Mans Red Cross. Every year, the Red Cross recruits new volunteers. After an interview with the person in charge of the Samu social, the volunteer can join the Samu social team and bring the values of the Red Cross to the public in the street. The general Social Watch system is validated by the Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs (DDASS), which defines the annual winter plan with all the social partners. Every year, from November ^1st to May 31st, the Red Cross team organizes marauds and watch posts in the city centre of Le Mans and its suburbs several evenings a week from 8pm to midnight minimum and circulates every day except Saturdays (but if there is a very cold spell triggered by the prefecture, it still circulates on Saturdays and ensures). Volunteers respond to requests relayed by the 115 call centre and direct people living on the street to shelters. They also provide support and comfort to people in distress and advise them on the steps to take. Punctually, they distribute hot drinks, cakes and blankets.