50 years of listening: Chichester and Arun Samaritans mark anniversary with new project

On Friday 24 Samaritans volunteers stood at Chichester's market cross to spread awareness of the charity and raise money for its Bognor Regis branch.

The events kick off a year of fundraising for £100,000 to make sure this essential service is equipped for the next 50 years.

Speaking to The Observer at the market cross on Friday, volunteer Carolyn Dodd said: "The main thing it to raise awareness of our local branch. I don't think many people know that there is a local branch. As it is our 50th anniversary this year, this is a bit of an operation to get our name out there.

"We are also raising money and part of the monet is for vital works that are needed for the building that we operate out of.

"We really want to make the branch a bit more fit for purpose."

Overall, in the first six months of 2020, the branch has seen a 12 per cent increase in calls, responding to over 3,500 calls for help in the first 9 weeks of lockdown.

Carolyn added: "We really are needed more than ever."

Liz Hebden, branch director said: “As key workers, Samaritans volunteers have provided support throughout the Covid pandemic lockdown.

"This at a time when listening to others has never been more important. Our volunteers have stepped up to ensure they are available, can maintain the service safely and offer

additional support specifically for NHS and care staff."

To help meet the surge in demand the branch has increased its coverage at times when the service is most in demand, which is during the night.

David Longmore, one leader at the branch, said: “Callers issues and concerns are made so much worse by isolation and loneliness during the pandemic lockdown.

“Mental health worries are very much in evidence as well as thoughts of suicide."

Liz added: "That’s why we are launching a campaign to update our facilities in our Bognor Regis branch so we can increase the number of volunteers on duty at any time and make full use of new technology.

“We need more space to train more volunteers so that we can offer emotional support to more people. When circumstances permit we also want to extend our work in partnership with other organisations with the homeless, and with local schools so that more young people can understand better their own mental and emotional health.

"Samaritans believe that giving people time to explore their thoughts and feelings, and undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair. She thinks it is important to raise people’s awareness of Samaritans.

“Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to listen. You don’t have to face it alone. If you’ve lots on your mind, we’ll help you find your own way through it.”

Friday July 24 is the Samaritans day for raising awareness generally through its Talk to Us campaign.

“The date stands for 24/7,” explains Carolyn, who organised the day.

Nick, who joined Samaritans last year, said: “We offer a safe place where people can explore their thoughts and feelings,” he said, “We listen in confidence and we don’t judge people. We try to help people find their own solutions.”

Nick has been struck by how important it is to have someone simply listening.

“Somehow, it’s easier to talk to a stranger about how you’re feeling. It’s amazing how many people find it helps.”

The pandemic has sparked an increase in prospective volunteers interested in being trained.

See https://www.samaritans.org/branches/bognor-regis/ to donate or to explore becoming a volunteer. For further details, contact Nick Taunt, £100k Project leader: [email protected] 07923 352267