We gathered in the darkness on the morning of Sunday 11 October, wrapped up warmly in our Samaritans green, ready to walk into the dawn.
Listening volunteers, their family, friends, supporters and dogs from across Hastings and Rother came together for our branch’s annual Dawn Walk.
As we set off along the beautiful Hastings and St Leonards seafront, the sky changed from darkness to blue, and then glowed pink as the sun rose. There was a lovely sense of camaraderie among people who give their time each week to listen to those in emotional distress.
We were joined by Paula Warne, the Mayor of Hastings, and representatives of our kind sponsors, Booker and Best.
Marking World Mental Health Day, the walk was a reminder that Samaritans is here for our community. As a local charity, Hastings and Rother Samaritans must also raise all our own running costs, so community support really matters.