On Tuesday 24th August Gloucester & District Samaritans celebrated 50 years of listening. Despite the challenges of the pandemic the branch was determined to commemorate this significant anniversary.
The branch prepared a commemorative leaflet which included a brief history of the branch and a summary of how the branch has reached out over the decades. These were widely distributed around the local community and partners. As part of reaching out and to share the celebration volunteers distributed over 200 iced cup cakes with a 50th logo to local food banks and neighbours which were warmly received.
Volunteers delivering celebration cakes to Gloucester Foodbank
Deputy Director Beverley with a fabulous celebration cake!
The branch was able to raise its profile when Kathy, a volunteer who has served 50 years was interviewed on the local radio (you can listen to Anna King and Kathy talking here on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09qmjy5 ).
The branch celebrated its actual birthday with a virtual zoom gathering which included video contributions from Samaritans Chair, Keith Leslie, MP for Gloucester, Richard Graham . Supporters of the branch were also involved and the branch received appreciative comments from the Lead of the Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership. Kathy and Roseann, who together have served over 94 years as volunteers, shared their warm memories of the branch.
Longstanding volunteers Kathy and Roseanne joined us for our 50th celebrations
Whilst Prince Charles sent his apologies from his Highgrove address, the branch received a personal letter from him saying : “For over 50 years you have supported the community across Gloucester and District and I am extremely proud of each and every one of you"
The zoom celebration was rounded off with the cutting of a celebratory cake baked by one of its volunteers and iced by a supporter and a toast with champagne. Portions were given out to every volunteer as they came on shift. After being launched by a small pioneering group of volunteers, 50 years on Gloucester & District branch is still listening and supporting our callers and the ethos of care and support for each other in the branch remains very much the same.