Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow branch of Samaritans celebrated its 40th anniversary with a community reception.

The reception (on 12th May) was well attended by local dignitaries including; Deputy Mayor of Ealing, Cllr. Mohammad Aslam, Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr. Amrit Mann, Ms. Mary MacLeod MP (Brentford and Isleworth), Cllr. David Millican (Northfield) and Mr. Andrew Slaughter MP (Hammersmith).

Two Samaritans listening volunteers opened the event with a role-play. Entitled “The Call”, the short demonstration provided guests with an insight into the work of the charity.

BBC media correspondent, Torin Douglas, who introduced the event, followed this by interviews with Sophie Andrews - ex-chair of Samaritans and author of Scarred, and branch director, John Royle. Ms Andrews talked about the charity from the perspective of being a caller herself and then subsequently becoming a Samaritans volunteer.

Roger Mullins, chairman of Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Samaritans said: “The evening was a great success. A large number of current and ex-volunteers turned up to mark the anniversary, and quite a few ex-volunteers expressed an interest in returning to the branch. It was a good opportunity for us to let supporters in the local community know more about our work and how we support callers in distress.”

Fullers donated refreshments to the event, and the evening was rounded off with a raffle of various prizes, thanks to the kind donations of local businesses.

Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. The funds raised from the raffle will go towards ensuring that the branch can continue its work to achieve this vision, by offering emotional support to anyone experiencing emotional distress or despair.

22nd May 2012