The Samaritans branch serving Pendle, Burnley, Craven and Rossendale held its Annual General Meeting on 8 October 2026 at Nelson Cricket Club.
The Samaritans branch serving Pendle, Burnley, Craven and Rossendale held its Annual General Meeting on 8 October 2026 at Nelson Cricket Club. The evening brought volunteers together to reflect on the past year, celebrate the branch’s work and hear a powerful personal story about the life-changing impact of listening and compassion.
More than half of the branch’s 97 volunteers attended, alongside the Mayors of Pendle, Padiham, Skipton and Rossendale.
Supporting thousands of people
Branch Director Andrew8 presented a report on the branch’s activities over the preceding 12 months, highlighting the vital contribution made by volunteers.
Between September 2025 and August 2026, Pendle branch volunteers supported 12,585 callers. Every conversation represents an opportunity to offer someone a safe, non-judgemental space to talk through their feelings, however difficult life may seem.
Andrew also discussed national work to future-proof Samaritans, including exploring different ways of supporting callers and the possibility of volunteers answering calls from home during night-time hours. These developments remain at the planning stage, and for the Pendle branch, it is business as usual.
A personal story of hope and connection
One of the most moving moments of the AGM was an interview with David and Charlotte Lay, facilitated by branch listening and outreach volunteers Judith10 and Bev3.
David, a train driver based in Skipton, first encountered Charlotte when she was experiencing a mental health crisis and had gone to the railway intending to end her life.
Alerted by a passer-by, David stopped his train and went to speak with Charlotte. Through that encounter, he helped her move to a place of safety.
David and Charlotte stayed in contact and eventually became a couple. Today, they share a family with three young children.
Their story offered a powerful reminder of how important it can be for someone in crisis to be noticed, heard and treated with compassion.
Learning from lived experience
David and Charlotte spoke openly about their experiences, offering volunteers a deeper understanding of mental health difficulties and practical insights into supporting people who may be feeling suicidal or overwhelmed.
Their contribution gave volunteers an opportunity to reflect on how they listen to callers experiencing moments of intense distress, and on the importance of responding with patience, empathy and understanding.
Jayne6 proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the branch, expressing the gratitude of everyone present for David and Charlotte’s willingness to share such a personal and emotive experience.
How Samaritans can help
Samaritans works towards a world where fewer people die by suicide. Its volunteers offer a listening ear to anyone who needs someone to talk to, whatever they are going through.
If you need to talk, you can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123. You do not have to be suicidal to get in touch, and you do not have to face difficult feelings alone.
To learn more about Samaritans or find out about volunteering, visit www.samaritans.org.