The history of one of the oldest Samaritans branches
We're one of the oldest Samaritans branches, and we've been a part of the Ipswich and Suffolk community for more than 50 years.
Samaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk is one of over 200 Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland. Collectively, we offer emotional support to our callers 24 hours a day.
You can find our current branch at 140 St Helen's Street, Ipswich, near Suffolk New College. The building was constructed by Cobbold in the mid-1900s as the 'Grove Tavern' but closed on 31st August 1969. In 1994 the building became the Ipswich branch of Samaritans, the only sign of this heritage today is the large, but empty, cellar.
Our branch is a converted two-storey building that includes the following:
- Operations room - where we take phone calls and respond to callers
- Training room - where we train new listening and support volunteers
We also have lift access for wheelchair users, an office and other rooms to help run the branch.
Our branch chronology
1962
Following a meeting at Ipswich Town Hall, 80 volunteers were selected for a new branch of The Samaritans. Chad Varah came to Ipswich to train the new Samaritans.
1963
The Ipswich and East Suffolk branch opened at St Stephen’s Church, in the Buttermarket, Ipswich. After a few months, the branch moved to Coytes Gardens near to the Willis Faber building.
1974
The branch moved to Tower Street, Ipswich.
1994
The branch moved to its current premises at 140 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich.
1994
The Samaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk charity shop was opened in Eagle Street, Ipswich.
1997
We had two double-fronted shops in Eagle Street; one trading as a book shop, and the other as a charity shop.
2006
The operations room was refurbished to provide a better environment for volunteers to take calls and support fellow volunteers.
2012
The charity shop moved to 20 Carr Street, Ipswich after 17 years in Eagle Street.
2013
The visitors room was refurbished to provide the best possible environment for people coming to see us in person.
2014
We invested in a new van for outreach and awareness events and to help collecting donations for our shop.
2019
A major refurbishment was undertaken and the improved premises were opened on Monday 28th October 2019 by radio and television presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull. The branch remained open throughout the works.
Our story continues...