Charity celebrates long service awards for volunteers

A charity that has helped to save and change lives in Cornwall for over half a century has celebrated long service awards for 6 volunteers who have provided over 150 years of listening between them.

The Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro reflected on another year’s work during its AGM in November, with highlights including progressing major capital developments to the charity’s branch to improve accessibility and service delivery, and having reached over 100,000 people in 12-months due to the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

Sylvia Powlesland, Melanie Tylor and Anne Lemon were each recognised for 20 years of volunteering, with Margaret Tucker achieving 25 years, and Martin Buck achieving 30 years; whilst their longest standing volunteer – “Penny191” - was recognised for 48 years.

The Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro is a local independent charity, run entirely by volunteers, who travel to the branch at Treylew Road in Truro from across the county, to provide a listening service for adults and children in despair.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Cornwall Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide, aiming to be there for anyone who needs someone, giving people ways to cope, alleviating emotional distress and reducing the incidence of suicidal feelings through the simple act of listening.

Sue Wilkins, voluntary Director of Cornwall Samaritans – who travels to the branch from Pengover - said:

“In the year from April 1^st 2023 – March 31^st 2024, Cornwall Samaritans’ volunteers donated the equivalent of over £90,000 of their time to listening at the branch alone, answering over 23,000 calls for help. Alongside this work, our  outreach, awareness and prevention reached over 100,000 people in a range of direct and indirect ways. This can only happen with a team of dedicated volunteers who support the branch in a multitude of ways: fundraising – particularly at Par Market, raising awareness, Outreach activity, listening on the phone, webchat, maintaining the branch both physically and virtually with all that involves. As Director, I would like to thank all of Cornwall Samaritans’ volunteers – of which there are in the region of 100. It is due to their dedication and time that we have been able to be there for people in distress and increase our visibility in places of need.”

Sylvia Powlesland, Listening Volunteer and voluntary Deputy Director for Training - who travels to the branch from Polgooth - said:

“I joined Truro Samaritans in 2004 with no intention of doing anything but listening. I have had the real privilege over the years of holding many posts since then, up to Branch Director, Deputy Regional Director and National Auditor. I can’t begin to count the hours I have spent on Sams, but can honestly say that for everything I have given, Sams has repaid in so many ways over and over again. I’m still amazed by what people do, and am still totally passionate about what the organisation offers.  It’s by far the best thing I have ever got involved with (and there have been others.)”

Listening Volunteer for nearly 50 years, “Penny191” said:

“In my time at Truro Samaritans, I have met some amazing people, several of whom are lifelong friends. We have enjoyed the privilege of meeting some wonderful people who, although many no longer be with us, have touched our lives. In the words of the Dianna Ross song: “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place when we can…” after all, that’s what we strive to do, and the long and winding road we travel enable us to continue quite simply to be there.”

Cornwall Samaritans would like to attract new volunteers so that it can open more hours, embrace new technology and offer more outreach into the community, increasing diversity in all areas of work, enabling the charity to reach beneficiaries whenever and however they are needed.

The charity particularly needs assistance with support roles such as fundraising, running its stall at Par Market and exploring a complementary online shop.

To find out more, email  Truro.Director@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org/truro

You can also view Cornwall Samaritans on X: www.twitter.com/CornwallSamari1

If you would like to donate to support Cornwall Samaritans’ work throughout the county and beyond, please visit https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/cornwallattrurosamaritans/profile