A Year of Listening: The Story of Brierley Hill Samaritans in 2025

In 2025, the Brierley Hill Samaritans didn’t just mark another year of service — they lived a year woven with human connection, community resilience, and the quiet power of being there when someone needs to talk. It was a year shaped by familiar faces, unexpected challenges, and the steady heartbeat of volunteers who continued a tradition that began with the branch’s very first call back in 1973.

The year began with music — the warm, nostalgic pulse of a 70s retro night at Stourbridge Town Hall. Local performers and supporters came together not just to dance, but to raise awareness and funds for the branch’s work. It was a reminder that even in difficult times, people find ways to gather, celebrate, and support one another.

As winter gave way to spring and summer, volunteers continued their daily work: answering calls, offering a listening ear, and quietly supporting people across Dudley and the Black Country. But it was in the autumn that the branch’s presence became especially visible.

September brought World Suicide Prevention Day — a moment each year when Samaritans branches across the country step forward to remind people that help is always available. At Merry Hill, volunteers spoke with shoppers, handed out information, and encouraged conversations that might otherwise go unspoken.

That same month, the branch received a major boost: £20,000 in National Lottery funding, a recognition of the essential role they play and a lifeline for maintaining security and sustainability at the branch.

But the year wasn’t only about planned events. In October, when tragedy struck at Dudley Port, volunteers stepped into the community not with banners or leaflets, but with presence — a quiet, compassionate reminder that no one has to face grief alone.

Later that month, the team set up at Co‑op Dudley for Mental Health Awareness Day, meeting people where they were, listening to their stories, and offering reassurance that reaching out is a sign of strength.

2025 was also a year of transition behind the scenes.

The branch said a heartfelt goodbye to Graham and Emily, who concluded their time as Branch Directors after guiding the team with dedication and care. Their leadership shaped the branch through challenging years, and their impact will continue to be felt.

To ensure continuity, Dee and Chris stepped in as interim Branch Directors, steering the branch through the final months of the year with steadiness and commitment. Their role was vital — not only keeping the branch running smoothly, but preparing the ground for what came next.

As the year drew to a close, leadership passed to Pam, who took on the role with a clear focus on aligning the branch’s future. Her appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in stability, vision, and the shared belief that the branch’s work matters deeply to the community it serves.

Local businesses continued to stand behind the branch. In November, McDermotts donated £750 to support ongoing work — a gesture that reflected the community’s belief in the importance of Samaritans’ mission.

The branch also joined forces with International Men’s Day UK at a conference in Wolverhampton, adding their voice to the national conversation about men’s mental health and wellbeing. It was a day filled with stories, shared experiences, and a collective commitment to supporting men who often struggle in silence.

Through every event, every donation, every difficult moment, every leadership handover, and every conversation, 2025 was ultimately a story about people — the volunteers who give their time, the supporters who give their energy, and the callers who give their trust.

It was a year that reaffirmed something simple but profound:
listening saves lives.

And as Brierley Hill Samaritans look toward 2026, they carry forward the same promise they’ve upheld for more than fifty years — to be there, day or night, for anyone who needs someone.