Here you can see about our activities outside the branch, in Chesterfield and the surrounding area.
Farmers Health Awareness Day, Bakewell Livestock Market
Our Outreach team were busy again recently, spreading the word in the farming community, which has been subject to a lot of pressure this year. They received some unexpected help from a rather skeletal character, who they quickly pressed into service.
Mayor’s team wins AGM Quiz!
The Chesterfield Samaritans Annual General Meeting was held recently and Councillor Barry Dyke (the Mayor) and Mrs Marie Dyke (the Mayoress) were kind enough to be present at the meeting and give us their support. A multi-round quiz was held at the end of the evening and the Mayor’s team, named the Mayor's Potty Parlour, surged through in the final round to take the honours! The mayor impressed us with his general knowledge and especially his recollection of the lyrics of pop songs from many years ago. The score-line was also helped by the bonus points awarded for having the most original team name!
Earlier in the evening there was an informative presentation given by the Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS). Alison Corbett from DAAS was also in the victorious quiz team and is seen on the right of the picture. Dave Maddox, our Treasurer (and Quizmaster) can be seen standing, behind David and Kay, both Samaritans volunteers.
Peak Rail
Our Outreach team travel to represent Samaritans at many different places and at a wide variety of events. They recently held an information event at Peak Rail, meeting and talking with visitors and letting people know that Samaritans are here for them, if needed.
Staveley Summer Fete. Baton Of Hope
The Baton of Hope is a symbol that's making its way across the UK, raising awareness about suicide prevention. The Staveley Summer Fete was held recently in support of the Derby & Derbyshire part of the movement. Our Outreach team were there, reminding people of our key role and liaising with other community groups.
Heath Well Dressing
Well Dressings are a much admired Derbyshire Tradition and attract a lot of visitors. Our Outreach team were busy recently at the village of Heath. Their presence was much appreciated by visitors and organisers alike.
Chesterfield Pride
Stand Road Park was recently the location for this year’s Pride day. The event started on a small scale ten years ago and has grown each year. It now attracts thousands of visitors. Our Outreach team had a busy day, with lots of positive contacts and conversation. The team enjoyed the day and further established our presence at this important event.
MP Toby Perkins Visits Chesterfield Samaritans
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited out branch on Saltergate recently and discussed the important work we do. We were able to point out some of the reasons why people feel they need to contact us. Other discussions revolved around some of the funding challenges facing branches like Chesterfield, despite the commitment of their dedicated volunteers.
Chesterfield College Summer Safety Day
At the Summer Safety Day the college invited different agencies to publicise how they could help the students keep safe over the summer. Lots of information was provided by our Outreach Team to students and staff, and there were many conversations, all helping to spread the word about our service.
Peak Rail Rowsley Diesel Gala
This event was a showcase of heritage diesel locomotives and attracted many visitors. Our busy Outreach team were there with an Awareness Stall which attracted a good deal of interest.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Our Outreach team recently spent the day in the foyer of the Hospital. The team had lots of contacts with patients and staff and raised awareness at a location where some people could well be in need of the support Samaritans can give.
Small Talk Saves Lives
Here's our hard-working Outreach team, accompanied by Station staff, at this recent event taking place at Chesterfield Station. This Small Talk Saves Lives campaign recognises the importance of small talk and how starting a simple conversation could help save someone’s life. The team had a successful day, chatting with passengers and staff and raising awareness of our service.
Bakewell Livestock Market
Here’s our Outreach Team, spreading the word at the market, where there was a good deal of interest in our information table. Farmers are a vulnerable group, often coping with loneliness and a good deal of financial pressure. We were there, letting them know we’ll be available, if they need us.
Brew Monday – Chesterfield Station
Our Outreach team attended Chesterfield Station on Monday 20th January, the day the media refer to as Blue Monday, because the cheery effects of Christmas have worn off! In concert with Network Rail, Samaritans hold a national event on that day, to raise awareness of Samaritans and the service we provide. We hand out tea bags to passengers passing through the station and invite them to have a cup of tea on us. This leads to conversations about what we do.
Newbold Village Coop
Our outreach volunteers are pictured here, spreading the word at Newbold Village Coop. They gave out information and had the opportunity to chat with customers. They also ran a fun ‘Guess the Number of Coins in a Santa Jar’ competition.
Fire Engine Spreads Mental Health Awareness Message
Our Outreach team were present for the unveiling of the fire engine, designed to spread the word about mental health and to raise awareness of where to find support and wellbeing information.
The engine has been prepared by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in partnership with Derbyshire County Council. Samaritans are featured as a key partner agency.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has seen an 80% increase in the number of suicide incidents attended since 2019 and is supported by partner agencies in its response to such events.
Looking After Yourself
Many of us have faced difficult circumstances over recent years.
Support For Schools - 2 Videos
You can watch a mini animated clip here about the importance of talking, listening and reaching out. (40 secs)
There’s a video for older students here, on managing feelings and who you might talk to. (7 minutes)