Recent Branch activities

Our branch could not run without the dedication of our volunteers and supporters, who help us raise awareness of our listening services, reach out to our local communities and raise funds to keep our activities going. Here we cast the spotlight on just some of their recent hard work. (If you would like to keep up with all our recent activities, follow us on X, formerly Twitter.)

We raise awareness of our listening services using a variety of different approaches. We always get involved with national awareness campaigns, which give us the opportunity to greet passers-by and have some wonderful conversations. These campaigns include 'Brew Monday', which we celebrated at Chichester and Bognor railway stations, and Small Talk Saves Lives, during which we were very lucky to be joined by the Sarah Quail, the Mayor of Chichester. On Samaritans Awareness Day (24/7), we set up stalls at both the Bognor Regis bandstand and The Cross in Chichester, making 2025 the first year we had a presence at two different locations.

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 also attend plenty of local community events. Recent events we've attended include the Emergency Services and Community Day in Oakland's Park, Chichester College's Freshers' Fair, Chichester Pride, and Trinity Fest on the Cathedral Green.

We often hold social events to celebrate our wonderful volunteers. These include coffee mornings and catch-ups over drinks, our book club, and an annual branch picnic.

The Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Branch of Samaritans needs to raise around £25,000 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 take part in a range of bucket collection fundraising activities, which are supported by local supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's. At a recent Tesco collection, we were delighted to be joined by one of our local MPs, Alison Griffiths.

We also recently held our most ambitions fundraising event yet: SamsFest, an afternoon that was jam-packed with music and fun at Bognor Regis FC. Many local bands showed their support by performing at the event, and in total we raised over £2,500 – an incredible amount.

Our volunteers also take part in many other fundraising activities. From car boot sales to fun runs, our volunteers do whatever they can to raise money for the branch.

Our next major fundraising event is our 3rd annual Fish 'n' Chip Quiz Night. Our branch will also be taking part in Dawn Walk 2025. You can sponsor our team here.

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

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 Paul, 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.