The official opening of Samaritans of Macclesfield & District’s new premises was celebrated by local dignitaries, branch supporters, listening volunteers and track cycling champion, Sir Chris Hoy MBE.
The opening of Samaritans of Macclesfield & District’s new premises at 9, King Edward Street saw local dignitaries join branch supporters and listening volunteers as multiple world and Olympic track cycling champion, Sir Chris Hoy MBE and branch director, George Blackledge cut the green ribbon on Saturday 12th September 2020.
Invited guests at the intentionally low key and Covid-aware event included the Worshipful the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake and Mayoress Mrs Stella Wake-Bennett, Member of Parliament for Macclesfield, David Rutley, leader of East Cheshire Council, Councillor Sam Corcoran, Vice-Chair of the national Samaritans Charity, Giles Wilmore, North West Regional Director of Samaritans, Eileen Brierley, the branch’s new landlord, Nic Lewis, and generous donors Nick and Janette Bianchi of Arighi Bianchi. Directors and representatives of the charity’s neighbouring Samaritans’ branches were also in attendance, along with Macclesfield & District’s own trustees and branch leadership team.
Macclesfield & District Samaritans branch director, George Blackledge shows Sir Chris Hoy MBE the branch's new Operations Room
In his speech, Blackledge recalled the changes the Macclesfield & District branch has seen during the 30 years it enjoyed at its former location in the town, whilst looking forward to a future at its new home, offering superior accommodation fit for a modern Samaritans branch. “The new premises at King Edward Street provide a more flexible layout, better accessibility and a more supportive environment for our volunteers,” Blackledge confirmed.
The new premises at King Edward Street provide a more flexible layout, better accessibility and a more supportive environment for our volunteers.
George Blackledge - Samaritans of Macclesfield & District branch director
Comprising a face-to-face meeting room, operations room and large training and general meeting facility, the new offices will allow the Macclesfield branch to continue to contribute to the national charity’s efforts, as volunteers answer calls from people in distress or despair every six seconds. Calls are directed across all 200+ branches in the UK and Ireland, with volunteers operating 3-6 hour shifts during which they will constantly answer phone calls and emails.
Speaking at the opening, Sir Chris said, “I was delighted to be asked by Macclesfield Samaritans to open their new premises. Samaritans plays an incredibly important role, both within the community and throughout the UK, providing support for anyone in emotional distress, 24 hours a day. This service is needed now, more than ever.
“My wife is a Samaritans listening volunteer so I have seen first-hand the commitment and effort that goes in behind the scenes and also exactly what it means to the volunteers themselves to be a part of this team,” he continued. “This new facility in Macclesfield will allow the volunteers to continue doing their amazing work on behalf of the charity to support anyone who needs a listening ear.”
This new facility in Macclesfield will allow the volunteers to continue doing their amazing work on behalf of the charity to support anyone who needs a listening ear.
Sir Chris Hoy MBE
Reflecting on the occasion, the Worshipful the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake said, “I am honoured to be invited to the opening of the new Macclesfield Samaritans premises, comfortably furnished by local businesses. Samaritans are part of the Hidden Army of Volunteers, working the phone lines behind the scenes, providing a lifeline of hope and kindness. On behalf of the people of Macclesfield, I would like to thank all the volunteers for all their hard work and continued kindness. In these challenging times we all need to follow their example and actively listen with kindness.”
Macclesfield MP David Rutley added, “I am very grateful for the vital work that our local Samaritans do to support those in emotional distress. Their new home accommodates the facilities they need to provide this support, which is a real priority in these challenging times.”
Local dignitaries joined volunteers as Sir Chris Hoy MBE and branch director, George Blackledge opened Macclesfield & District Samaritans' new premises.
“We need to increase support for mental health services, putting mental health on a par with physical health,” emphasised Councillor Sam Corcoran, Leader of Cheshire East Council. “It is distressing to hear of the huge rise in the number of people contacting Samaritans as a direct result of the emotional strain of the pandemic.”
Corcoran continued, “We are extremely fortunate to have such an organisation in Cheshire East and I applaud the many volunteers who give up their time – day and night – to become a listening ear for residents suffering mentally or emotionally because of the impact of this pandemic on their lives.”
Concluding his opening speech, Blackledge thanked volunteers at the branch, new landlord Nic Lewis of Estates & Leisure, and Macclesfield furniture store, Arighi Bianchi for its donation of chairs for the branch’s face-to-face meeting room.
Further details on Samaritans of Macclesfield & District, including volunteering and fundraising information can be found by visiting www.samaritans.org/branches/macclesfield and the charity’s shop is located in Pickford Street, near to the town’s bus station.