Cheltenham and District Samaritans will celebrate 60 years next month of providing support to those most in need within our local community but also on a national level.
Samaritans volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support to anyone who may be experiencing feelings of distress or despair; including those that may lead to suicide. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
“As a listening volunteer, it is a humbling experience to be able to support people with their most personal concerns,” says Cynthia, who has been a listening volunteer for over 50 years.
Cheltenham and District Samaritans is based in central Cheltenham and covers surrounding areas including Tewkesbury, Cirencester and the Cotswolds. The branch supports people by telephone, on-line chat and email as well as providing a drop-in service from 10am to 8pm daily. They provide an active listening service and confidential emotional support to over 20,000 people a year.
From the outset, the branch has been active in the local community. Today, the charity has partnered with local organisations to raise awareness and provide emotional support to those most in need in the local community. We have partnerships with NHS, schools and universities as well as charities supporting vulnerable people. Volunteers regularly attend Cheltenham Spa train station and, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, flower planters were installed at the station, displaying the 116 123 phone number that can be used to contact Samaritans for support. These planters are a colourful reminder to anyone visiting the station, and those passing through on the train, that help is available.
Cheltenham and District Samaritans branch director, Andy Goddard says: “Our volunteers are proud to have been supporting those most in need for 60 years. Last year there wasn’t a single second that Samaritans weren’t on the phone to someone in need. Our volunteers are well trained and willingly offer their time to support those facing a tough time.”
There are no paid staff at Cheltenham and District Samaritans. The listening service is provided by around 140 trained volunteers – it is a diverse branch with volunteers of all ages, from all backgrounds and all walks of life. As part of the 60th Anniversary, the branch is looking to welcome new volunteers. Find out how you can volunteer on their website at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/cheltenham/volunteer-cheltenham-samaritans/ Information evenings are being held on 25 October and 2 December for the next training courses to be run in 2024.