Macclesfield Samaritans Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Macclesfield and District Samaritans are celebrating turning 60 years old this year.

  • Posted 12th July 2023

With over 100 volunteers, Macclesfield Samaritans have been providing emotional support to the local community, and nationwide, since 1963 and to mark the occasion of their 60th anniversary, they have donated 5 “listening” park benches to West Park, Macclesfield.

Park

The benches were purchased following the gift of a legacy which was left to Macclesfield Samaritans. Each of the five park benches are inscribed with a quote, chosen by the Macclesfield Samaritan volunteers.

Bench

Each quote recognises the power of listening and also aims to encourage people to talk and share their worries. It is hoped these “listening” park benches will be enjoyed by the community whilst raising awareness of the work and presence of Samaritans in Macclesfield. The benches also recognise the service of the volunteers, who give up their spare time each week to help others.

Bench Plaque

The volunteers will also be celebrating their birthday by hosting a stall at the Treacle Market on 24 September, where they will be sharing coffee and cakes with the local community. They want to celebrate with the community in Macclesfield who are very supportive of their work and want to use this as an opportunity to continue raising awareness of what they do.

macc_bench_all

We are so pleased to reach this milestone. Without our wonderful volunteers from the local community, we would not be able to offer the help and support we give to so many who are finding life tough and who need a confidential listening ear. We don’t provide answers, but we are there for everyone and we listen. By providing these benches in West Park, we hope we can raise the profile of Macclesfield Samaritans and assure the community that we are here to support them, no matter what

Macclesfield Branch Director, Zoe Smith