Friday 13th November 1970: Peterborough Samaritans was born
It was a Friday under the sign of Scorpio, the UK Prime Minister was Edward Heath and the US President was Richard Nixon. Pope St Paul VI was leading the Catholic Church. In that special week of November, in the UK people were listening to 'Woodstock' by Matthew's Southern Comfort, and in the US, 'I'll Be There' by Jackson 5. While 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' by John Fowles was one of the best-selling books. On this day, Friday 13th November, Peterborough Samaritans opened its door to the people of Peterborough and beyond.
Peterborough Samaritans have occupied various locations in Peterborough City Centre over the last 50 years. From our first premises in New Road (now no longer there) to our current premises on Lincoln Road.
Our first premises has now been knocked down, it was opposite an Indian shop, the owner was very good and watched the cars for us as there was no secure parking. The City Council owned the building and they let them have it for a peppercorn rent of £25 pa as it was due for demolition.
Angela, founding member, and current listener, of Peterborough Samaritans
A message from our Director:
50 years ago in November 1970, before the mass availability of mobile phones, laptops and the internet, a small group of caring and committed volunteers got together to open the Peterborough Branch of Samaritans. On Friday 13th November at 10.00am, almost exactly 50 years later, one of those volunteers will still be on duty answering calls, Angela. An amazing achievement.
Peterborough & District Samaritans continue to listen to callers, 13,000 last year, and to answer around 7,000 e-mails and texts. We support prison Listeners in three local prisons and have a range of outreach projects in the pipeline, including support for the local A&E department. We have adapted to selecting and training our new volunteers online. We are currently refurbishing our work spaces to ensure we can mentor new trainees safely with adequate social distance.
We continue to work with local partners to spread awareness of the importance of talking and listening, recognising distress and mental health concerns, and preventing suicide. We always need new volunteers and we raise all our funding. Our team give far more than the hours listening to callers to ensure that the Branch grows and develops.
I wish to thank all those who have been part of the Branch over its 50 years, who have given their time and have supported those in distress. Despite the challenges raised by Covid 19, we are committed to being here for those who need us.