The Samaritans are celebrating years of helping those in need or despair with a special birthday event in Manchester tomorrow.
The iconic Albert Square will play host to speeches by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan and prominent members of the Samaritan’s Manchester team from 11am.
And a nearby phone box has also been redecorated with the Samaritan’s distinctive colours, representing how, over the past 60 years, a simple phone call has benefitted so many people.
Colin, a senior volunteer, whose second name is withheld due to their stringent confidentiality rules, said that many long-standing volunteers will be present and, he joked, ‘of course there’ll be plenty of cake too!’
The very first call to the helpline was answered by Chad Varah in the church of St Stephen Walbrook on 2 November 1953.
Since then the Samaritans have spread their confidential help and support across the nation, arriving in Manchester in 1969, when Rev. Basil Higginson, a local Anglican clergyman, recruited a small band of helpers.
Felicity Varah Harding, daughter of the Samaritans founder, said: “My father began Samaritans with just one telephone. It’s wonderful to see how the charity has grown and flourished over the 60 years since he took that first call in 1953.”
Manchester’s branch of Samaritans is now at ‘an all time maximum’ according to Colin.
He said: “We now have 160 volunteers which is 50 more than we had 10 years ago.
“Calls have increased dramatically, especially those from men. We have more male callers than ever before, they have actually overtaken calls from women.”
Colin believes that the main reason for this is that benefit cuts have increased the number of depression sufferers in the city, as well as the winter weather always being a trigger for loneliness.
In addition to having volunteers receiving phone calls 24/7 every day of the year they also have a walk-in centre where people can talk about their issues face to face.
But what makes the Manchester Samaritans truly unique is that they routinely visit people in custody at Longsight police station, offering emotional support and advice for people who have fallen foul of the law.
That is the only service of its kind in the UK.
Mancunian boxing legend Ricky Hatton said: “I have been through my fair share of troubles, battling problems with alcohol, drugs and depression. There were times when I have considered ending it all.
“I am working through things now, but it is comforting to know that Samaritans is here for people if things get too much.
“The charity has reached an incredible milestone. Over the last 60 years they will have helped countless people going through tough times.
“There will always be a need for Samaritans and I am pretty sure in another 60 years the service will be answering even more calls from people.”
Anyone who wants to get involved can attend the gathering at Albert Square on November 3 at 11am or simply text ‘SUPPORT’ to 70123* to make a £3 donation.
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