55 Years of Listening: Chesterfield Samaritans launches anniversary appeal
Chesterfield Samaritans is celebrating 55 years of listening.
Since opening in 1971, generations of volunteers have been there to listen without judgement, supporting people across Chesterfield and the surrounding areas through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Last year alone, volunteers at Chesterfield Samaritans responded to more than 5,500 contacts by phone, webchat, email and face-to-face outreach, providing emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.
To mark this milestone anniversary, the branch is launching its 55 Donors for 55 Years appeal, inviting members of the local community to help support its work.
The appeal officially launches on Friday, July 24, Samaritans Awareness Day, when volunteers will be at the Pavements Shopping Centre from 11am meeting members of the public and raising awareness of the charity's work. A series of anniversary and awareness displays will then remain in the shopping centre throughout August, encouraging more people to learn about Samaritans and the support available.
Gaby Vauclair, Director of Chesterfield Samaritans, said: "Marking 55 years of listening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the generations of volunteers who have helped make Chesterfield Samaritans what it is today. While the way people contact us has evolved over the years, our purpose has remained the same - to provide a safe place where people can be heard without judgement.
"Many people don't realise that although we're part of Samaritans' network of more than 200 branches across the UK and Ireland, Chesterfield Samaritans is also an independent local charity. We're responsible for raising our own funds, recruiting and training volunteers, maintaining our building and ensuring our service continues to be available for people across Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.
"As we celebrate our emerald anniversary, we're inviting local people to become one of our 55 donors for 55 years. Every donation, whatever the amount, will help us continue providing a safe place for people to talk and ensure we're here for our community whenever we're needed."
To support the 55 Donors for 55 Years appeal, visit: https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/chesterfieldsamaritans/profile
Or come and meet local volunteers at the Pavements Shopping Centre on Friday from 11am to find out more about the work of Chesterfield Samaritans.