Norwich Samaritans moves for first time in 58 years, starts branch refurb to support 30,000 more a year

Norwich Samaritans has moved for the first time in 58 years as it starts a key building project to help support around 30,000 more people a year.

The emotional support charity, which offered a listening ear to around 26,000 people in 2021 that needed to talk about what’s on their minds, has been operating out of the same Victorian building at 19 St Stephen’s Square since 1964.

The building is now suffering from structural and damp issues but donations from readers of the local EDP and Evening News newspapers as well as £100,000 grants from the Rackham Trust, Norwich Consolidated Charities and Norwich Freeman’s Charity ensured that the makeover can now go ahead.

The charity, which has around 180 active volunteers, has temporarily moved to the old Noa Noa shop at 17 Westlegate where their listening service will continue to be offered to those that phone or email in.

The move itself, which involved moving all manner of heavy equipment between the two buildings on Friday 7 October, was helped by local removal firm Hadley & Ottaway, who offered their staff and special vehicles at no charge. They are also making a donation to the charity for every removal they complete this year.

James Ellis, Norwich Samaritans’ branch director said: “What else can we say except a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has contributed and donated their money and time to the project so the building work to our branch can go ahead?

“We will continue to offer our key emotional support service from our temporary premises on Westlegate while the building work at our permanent branch is underway.

“It certainly will be a change to come into a different building after such a long time of supporting people from St Stephen’s Square, but the vital works will ensure that we will be in Norwich for decades to come and can help thousands more people a year going forward.”

David Galer, Hadley & Ottaway’s managing director said: “We were delighted to be supporting Norwich Samaritans in their fundraising efforts towards the refurbishment of their building.

“Helping them minimise stress and costs with their move to their temporary centre is just another way we can support this vital organisation.”

The £750,000 refurbishment of the St Stephen’s Square Samaritans branch is expected to last until around winter 2023.