Samaritans Liverpool and Merseyside receives prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service

More than 150 volunteers at the Branch, based at Clarence Street in Liverpool city centre, give up their free time to provide round-the-clock support.

Director Helen Gilbert said receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – which is equivalent to an MBE - was a proud moment for everyone connected to the Branch.

“Our fully-trained listeners are at the other end of the phone every day and night of the year, giving emotional support to anybody struggling to cope, and providing a safe place for people to talk about their feelings in confidence and without judgement.

“We also provide face-to-face support for people who want to speak in person, as well as an email service for people who would prefer to write to us, and we know from the feedback we receive how much our callers value what we do.

“Our volunteers also regularly go out into the community – attending hospitals, train stations, businesses and events – to reach out to people who may need our support, and it is our work in this area that really caught the eye of the judges.”

The Branch – which is linked to the national Samaritans organisation but is a standalone charity – is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious King’s Award this year.

The award aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the King’s accession to the throne two years ago.

Representatives from Samaritans Liverpool and Merseyside received the award crystal and certificate from Merseyside’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mark Blundell on 1st March 2025 when the Branch also celebrated its 65th birthday.

Two volunteers from the group will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in Spring 2025.