On 21st March, the Brighton, Hove & District branch of Samaritans "took over" Brighton & Hove Albion's home ground, 'The Amex'.
On Saturday 21st March Brighton and Hove Albion, aka The Seagulls, played Liverpool FC- and won! It was also the day the AMEX stadium was given over to Brighton Hove and District Samaritans as our "Takeover Day." 24 volunteers from the Brighton branch, and one from Hastings branch, were in attendance, the green gazebo was erected (where local MP Chris Ward popped along to say hello) and the HUGE centre circle flag was dedicated to Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans. There was a pre-match interview with Clare, a full page spread in the match programme, inclusion in the matchday email, cashless collections, an interview at half time with Director Mick and the Together Against Suicide film was shown. Even Gully the mascot was seen in a Samaritans tabard. Also 10 lucky volunteers went onto the pitch before the start of the game to lift the centre circle flag and waggle it (for quite a long time) to the sounds of music playing, crowds cheering and pyrotechnics flashing. The atmosphere was incredible and the exposure it gave the branch- unbelievable. Well done to everyone who organised, attended, spoke and waggled. What a fantastic day!
Local MP Chris Ward popped into the gazebo to offer his support
Emotional support was provided in our normal place in the Lower East stand
Clare, our joint Deputy for Outreach, was interviewed before the match.
Gully became an honorary Samaritan for a few hours
Mick, the Branch Director, was interviewed at half time on the pitch