Since Wolverhampton Samaritans was established in 1965, the volunteers have saved many families from the heartbreak of losing a loved one.
Being a volunteer is a major commitment, with a minimum time commitment of 12 hours a month, yet many volunteers have been with the charity for more than 50 years.
As well as helping people in distress, they support families whose loved one has committed suicide, go out into the community to promote what they do and talk to men from the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ group to help with mental health.
Gray, listening volunteer and deputy director at Wolverhampton Samaritans, said: "This award is such an honour. It recognises the dedication of the volunteers at our branch, and the hard work and time given to provide emotional support to our community, and our callers nationally, whenever they need someone during their most challenging moments.”
“It’s incredible news and wonderful way for us to celebrate all that our volunteers do to help people who are in crisis, struggling or need someone to listen to them. Without the volunteers, and the public’s generosity, our branch couldn't run and so I hope this award helps them realise how amazing they truly are.”
"They do say it takes a village to raise a child and that's the same sentiment at the Samaritans as it's not just one-to-one. The phone calls are an intimate thing, but to get to the phone on your own as a fully fledged Samaritan, it takes a village and a wealth of people to get you there."