On 28 October 2023, we gathered to celebrate 60 years of listening services in Cheltenham.
150 volunteers and supporters of Cheltenham and District Samaritans joined together to celebrate 60 years to the day since our branch first opened to take calls.
We were joined by Felicity Varah-Harding, daughter of Samaritans founder Chad Varah and now ambassador and honorary President, as well as Keith Leslie, chair of trustees.
Andy reflected on the opening of Cheltenham Samaritans branch 60 years ago. In the first year, the branch had 139 callers, with the first call being answered by our founder Canon Hugh Evans Hopkins. Last year, Cheltenham Samaritans branch supported over 20,000 people, over the phone, by email, online chat, face-to-face, and in the local community.
Past and current branch directors and chairs gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary
Felicity described the foundation of Samaritans by her father, Chad Varah. She reflected on the fact that every ten seconds, a Samaritans volunteer answers a call. Last year, there wasn't a single second when a Samaritan was not on the phone to a caller needing a kind person to listen to them. She thanked the volunteers who provide this much-needed service.
Leigh, chair of Friends of Cheltenham Samaritans; Felicity Varah; Andy, director of Cheltenham Samaritans; and Keith Leslie
As well as thanking listening volunteers, Andy thanked the Friends of Cheltenham Samaritans, without whose fundraising we would not be able to operate. Leigh Norwood, chair of the Friends, presented Andy with a generous donation to support the ongoing running of the branch.