Registered charity: 242320 call us : 0117 983 1000 (branch) call us: 08457 909090 (UK) email us: jo@samaritans.org
Bristol Branch

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Our History SAMARITANS was founded in London by the Rev. Chad Varah in 1953. Although started by a vicar the Movement remains secular, non political and open to any person who needs emotional support regardless of colour, creed, ethnic background or religious convictions. Bristol branch was founded in 1964. Twelve months before the then Bishop of Bristol, the Rt. Reverend Oliver Tomkins, called a few people together to urge upon them the need for a branch of Samaritans in Bristol, then one of the few towns in the country without one. The exploratory meeting consisted of a solicitor, a vicar, a housewife, an advertising agent and a former submarine commander. The bishop had no difficulty in persuading this small group to take the initiative in establishing a branch. They arranged a series of public meetings (one of which was addressed by Chad Varah himself) to disseminate information, appeal for volunteers, raise money and search for suitable premises. In June 1964 the branch opened for "business" at a Bristol city centre address in St Nicholas Street, but not the one used today. It was a garret like top floor accommodation of only two small rooms and manned by 45 volunteers. It was an achievement that, even with so small a number of volunteers the branch was still able to give a 24 hour service. On the opening day the Lord Mayor of Bristol, for publicity purposes, made the first call to the branch and that evening a volunteer went on West of England Television to explain our purpose and make our presence known. The branch soon found the premises were too small to be regarded as permanent. We had only one interview room that was also used for overnight sleeping and there was no kitchen, so for hot water we relied on an electric kettle. In those early days there was much we did not have. We often struggled to pay our rent, phone and electricity bills. Nor was there much by way of administration or training programmes, or guidance from our General Office but our volunteers, as now, had a tremendous sense of commitment. The opportunity came to move to larger accommodation in Orchard Street, but in the mid 70’s a further move was made to more extensive premises back in St. Nicholas Street at number 37 where the branch is situated today. The property stands on the site of the original city wall and, after dedicated fund raising by The Friends of the branch, was purchased outright. A very prudent move bearing in mind today’s property prices. Bristol Samaritans serves a population of three quarters of a million people in Greater Bristol and South Gloucester and in 2004 the branch received 40,000 contacts from Callers. The branch now has three rooms for Visitors, a Caller E-Mail facility, two bedrooms, a shower, a general office, a Directors’ office, two training rooms, and the ultimate luxury of central heating and running hot water! Back to the top