Not only do we take calls at the Ipswich branch but we go out into the community at key events and locations
Samaritans in the community
Our listening and support volunteers are active in the Suffolk community. Find out more about our outreach work, how we raise awareness, our public talks and how to contact us.
Outreach work
Listening volunteers support callers at:
- local prisons
- probation hostels
- Ipswich soup kitchen
- community events, e.g. Suffolk Show
Raising awareness
Both listening and support volunteers attend community events across East Suffolk to promote Samaritans.
While raising awareness might be our reason for being at these events, we sometimes provide emotional support too.
If you organise a community event and would like us to attend to increase awareness in your local community, please contact us.
"I really enjoy meeting people while attending local events to promote our service, and sometimes providing emotional support to people who find it difficult to contact us." - Tony, Listening Volunteer
Typical Annual events
Below are some of the typical events we attend to raise awareness.
Come and see us to find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk.
Our volunteers will also be available to offer emotional support to anyone that needs it.
- Suffolk Show
- Kesgrave Fun Day
- Ipswich Music Day
- Indian Summer Mela
- Stowmarket Carnival
- Felixstowe Carnival
- Maritime Ipswich
- Aldeburgh Carnival
- 1 Big Multicultural Festival
Giving talks
We also give talks to interested organisations, such as:
- Rotary Clubs
- YMCA
- WIs
- Mother’s Unions
- Probus groups
- Schools
We distribute our information leaflets and posters to other local charities and organisations.
Find out more about our branch and how to volunteer with us. You can call us on 01473 214610 to find out more about becoming a support volunteer with our branch.