Listening volunteer David Matthews MBE is walking 12,000 miles to raise awareness of Samaritans, and is visiting every single branch on the way.
David is walking to every branch to raise awareness and to support our goal of reducing the number of people who die by suicide. He is walking alone and unaided, and carries a 17 kg bag of camping equipment and supplies.
We were delighted to see him when he visited our branch in Victoria Avenue, and our shop in Leigh on Sea, (one of our two shops in the area). David carries cards with him, with our contact number (116 123) and encourages people to phone one of our listening volunteers if they need emotional support - we're always available, every day round the clock. David said: "We live in a world where we don't always give people that space to talk. Calling that number might just be the thing they need at that moment in their life. That's the whole reason behind it."
Shop manager Jo from our Leigh shop said "David was so lovely and full of energy. It was a wonderful highlight in the day and a reminder of how Samaritans touches so many peoples lives".
You can keep up with Davids progress by visiting thelisteningwalk.com.
Stay safe on those roads, David!
Our Leigh-on-Sea shop manager Jo, with David Matthews MBE.