2023 Branch activities - in pictures

A big thank you to all those volunteers and supporters who have helped us raise awareness of our listening services, reach out to our local communities and raise funds to keep our activities going! Here is just a snippet of their activities in 2023.

We have been raising awareness of our listening services using a variety of different approaches, such as attending 'Brew Monday' at Chichester train station, setting up a new X account (formerly known as Twitter, holding a Branch open house, Information morning, and setting up a stall at The Cross in Chichester to speak to passers-by.

We partner with local organisations such as homelessness charity, Stonepillow, and the Trussell Trust at Chichester Foodbank to raise awareness of Samaritans' listening service amongst those who may be having a tough time.

“What we are doing is contacting people before they are become desperate, just when they are just having a tough time,” said David, Deputy Director and Outreach Leader. “There is a perception we are only there for the suicidal, but that is not the case.”

We also work with The University of Chichester and secondary schools to teach others how recognise when someone is struggling, and how to respond this with tried and tested listening skills

We ran two volunteer recruitment campaigns in local publications during 2023. Find out more atSussex World and Sussex Local Magazine online.

Carpenters and care workers, hospital workers and scientists, university students and retirees are amongst those who give up their time to support the work of our local branch.

“You might not want to talk to a friend or your mates down the pub, or talk to your husband or wife about your thoughts,” said Nick, the Branch Director. “So that’s why it’s helpful for volunteers to be someone callers don’t know.”

Our listening volunteers receive six weeks of core training, plus mentoring and support. Find out more about volunteering, fundraising or the work of Chichester and Bognor Regis branch of Samaritans here.

The Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Branch of Samaritans needs to raise around £20,000 each year to pay for the running costs, ongoing training and support of volunteers and outreach work, all of which must be done locally.

Many of our volunteers took part in a range of bucket collection fundraising activities which were supported by local supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury.

Support from Fontwell Park enabled us to carry out a bucket collection there, raising around £400. In addition, Sarah Millican kindly gave us permission to fundraise in the foyer at the Guildhall in Portsmouth following here following “Late Bloomer” performance.

A Fish 'n' Chip Quiz Night in September provided lots of fun and helped raise just over £,1000 with the support of many local community organisations who donated raffle prizes.

To provide a one off or ongoing donation to support our work, visit our Bognor Regis, Chichester and District Branch donations page.

Branch events for volunteers included social events such as coffee morning meet-ups, and our Annual Branch Meeting.