Our branch director Paul Brady recently attended the Bognor Regis Business Forum at Bognor Regis Town Football Club. It marked the second time this year our branch has visited Bognor FC, and it was a delight to visit the venue again after SamsFest in May.
The Business Forum, which is part of the Chichester Chamber of Commerce, brought together around 40 local business leaders with the aim of fostering a supportive business community within the area. It offered us a fantastic opportunity to connect with other local organisations and share ideas on how we can work together to increase awareness of our service and improve wellbeing across the region.
Also in attendance was Alison Griffiths, the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (who has been a keen supporter of our branch), as well as Justin Fitzpatrick, a former Ireland rugby player originally from Bognor, who was the keynote speaker.
During the event, Paul took to the stage to talk about all the brilliant work our branch has undertaken in the community, how Samaritans help those in emotional distress, and how local businesses can help support us as we continue to ensure that anybody going through a difficult time has someone to turn to in their hour of need.
Paul explained that local businesses can support our vital work by attending fundraising events, donating time or money, and encouraging staff to volunteer. He also highlighted our outreach work, explaining how our volunteers can visit community groups and local firms to deliver talks on active listening and emotional support.
Paul on stage
‘It was a real pleasure to speak at the Forum and to see so many in our community committed to making a difference,’ Paul said. ‘As Samaritans, we are here for anyone who is struggling to cope, and working with local businesses can allow us to reach more people and make an even bigger difference.’
The photos below show Paul on stage as well as rugby player Justin Fitzpatrick and John Donoghue, Chair of the Bognor Regis Business Forum.
Justin Fitzpatrick
John Donoghue