Samaritans is undertaking an exciting but challenging adventure involving 13 branches that span the South West region of the UK – including ours!
The 13 branches make up a network of Samaritans’ support across the South West spanning Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Bath – and everywhere in between!
Each branch is an independently registered local charity, run entirely by volunteers. Each feeds into a national network of Samaritans, providing emotional support to people who are struggling to cope, including those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Each year the South West region responds to thousands of people seeking emotional support by phone and online, feeding into a national network where the first available Samaritan responds. The branches also reach many thousands of people across the region each year through proactive work within the community, raising awareness of Samaritans and helping people know where they can find support when they need it.
As independent charities, each branch must raise its own funds every year to deliver all of its services. In a special collaboration, the South West region is undertaking a charity challenge to raise funds to be shared equally across the branches operating in this area.
SAMARITANS (SOUTH WEST) SAHARA CHALLENGE: 14 NOV - 21 NOV 2026
24 participants will undertake a 100km trek, over 5 days, across the forbidding landscape of the Sahara Desert. They will face 7–8 hours of gruelling trekking to cover 17–25km per day, on desert plateaus and undulating sand dunes, punishing their feet over hard, rocky terrain and hot sand. With very basic overnight camping facilities exposed to desert winds, they will face exhausting temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Conditions will be challenging with unusual weather patterns, wildlife and the differing strengths and abilities of the group.
Each participant is tasked with raising £1500 in individual sponsorship; whilst the event will raise public donations and corporate sponsorship to be shared equally across the 13 branches.
If you felt able to make a donation to support us, we would be extremely grateful.
§ To make a donation specifically to our branch, please click here: https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/cornwallattrurosamaritans/profile
§ To make a donation that is shared equally across the 13 South West branches, please click here: https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/pf/saharasouthwest/post/29853967
Supporting our challenge will have far-reaching and positive outcomes. Every contact Samaritans answers is an opportunity to be there for someone at a time when they may need us most. This event will help generate vital funds to support the continued operation of these 13 charities and enable Samaritans volunteers to continue being there for people across the South West.
Do follow our challenge on Facebook, Instagram and X #SamaritansSWSaharaChallenge