24th July 2006

24th July saw more than 200 Samaritans awareness and fundraising events throughout the UK and Ireland.

At the opening ceremony of the Sheffield branch's new premises on 24th July, Mayor Councillor Drayton praised the work of Samaritans and very openly talked about her own experience: "I went through a terrible time ten years ago and called Samaritans, but I'm here today as Lord Mayor of Sheffield. It's good to know that when you are down and really low there's someone there to speak to. I'm a living example of that and it's all thanks to the wonderful work the Samaritans do." Mercury music prize nominee Richard Hawley also visited the new branch and gave an unexpected performance.

Sheffield-born Richard, said: "My aunt used to work for the Samaritans. It's something that gentle, kind people with open hearts do. It's because of them that the Samaritans exist for people to talk to when they are feeling down with life."

A record attempting IRON-ATHON meant steamy windows at the new Samaritans’ shop in Grove Road, Eastbourne: which was officially opened by The Mayor of Eastbourne at a mid-day reception on Monday 24th July 2006. A non-stop 24 hour IRON-ATHON attempt had begun 12 hours earlier at midnight and ran through to 11:59 that evening.

As a small branch, Grantham also embraced 24:7, beginning with a street collection in the lead up to 24th July - the local branch of Lloyds gave them a great start by doubling their collection! Their main event was an open gardens event attended by well over 100 people.

A specially decorated car was despatched at midnight on Sunday from Dublin Samaritans by the newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Vincent Jackson. On board the car endeavouring to get round all 20 branches from as far north as Coleraine to as far south as Cork within the 24 hours with a relay team of Samaritan volunteer drivers was Avril Halley, Regional Publicity Officer for  Samaritans in Ireland, Jacqueline Sweeney a trustee of Samaritans and Kevin Representative from Grantham branch receives donated M&S hamper

They were met and welcomed at each of the 20 Samaritans branches in the Ireland region   by local dignitaries, celebrities and local Samaritan volunteers. The entourage also carried the Winter Olympic torch from the recent Turin Olympics, a symbol of light and hope.

Norwich branch were quick off the mark with their 24:7 celebrations. The branch entered an eye catching Samaritans float in the Lord Mayor's parade to raise awareness. They also cleverly arranged to visit their local schools in their Sam Van at the same time as the ice cream van to ensure they attracted attention! Melanie, Publicity Deputy Director for Norwich Branch Samaritans said: “24:7 worked out very well for us. We had a double page feature in the Evening News and were on BBC Radio Norfolk twice. Our school event went very well

and we also gave out about 5,000 mobile phone leaflets at the Lord Mayors Parade. We are already thinking what we can do next year!"

Reading branch gave away more than 600 cakes and 200 balloons for 24:7. They also had face painting, Punch and Judy, a pub crawl and managed to get local radio, local papers and the local MP along to join in the fun.

deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull turned out to see Samaritans’ walkers off on the morning of 24:7 and were proudly wearing their 24:7 badges. David, Director of the branch said: “Our two walks were really good fun. The weather was glorious, hot and sunny and the pub was a very welcome sight at the end! Although we did not set it up as a fundraiser we collected over £100 but more importantly raised awareness and made some friends and possible volunteers. Looking forward to 2007!”

Walsall branch ran many events, including a fancy dress netball game which took place in the lead up to 24:7. One of the (male) netball players even agreed to have his legs waxed for the game – all to raise more money!

One of Bromley’s newer volunteers, Steve, came up with the idea of a Country & Western evening, which he then went on to arrange at the local British Legion Club. The Chair of the

Management Committee, Ted, said: “The night was a great success and was a sell out, with the majority of the support coming from club members. As there were a lot of new faces we were able to spread the word to a local group, some of whom might even be potential volunteers in the future. We were also able to raise a magnificent £1,260 towards branch funds. This pleased our Treasurer enormously!”

To celebrate 24:7, Worcester branch took one of Worcester’s outdoor market stalls for the day. They sold books, bric-a-brac and 24:7 summer raffle tickets from their ‘in-house’ shop. Jill, Chairman of the Friends of Worcester Samaritans, told us: “It was a glorious hot, sunny day, the regular stall holders were helpful and friendly and the event was a great Norwich branch success.”

Orkney Samaritans chose to celebrate 24:7 in their own community which has supported them faithfully over the years. They hosted an ‘Orkney Evening’ of traditional music, poetry, humour and talks, rounding off with a wonderful supper featuring local specialities. The ‘icing on the cake’ was the very welcome presentation of a cheque for £1,000 from Talisman Energy (UK). Chairman of the branch, Liz, told us: “This was an extremely successful event on three fronts: firstly, fundraising; secondly, awareness raising and thirdly, celebration and sheer good fun! Roll on 24:7:07!”

As part of 24:7 Blackburn Samaritans placed the Samaritan Caravan in the centre of the town's main pedestrian area. They also decided to erect a 9ft sq. 24:7 banner on the top of Blackburn's town centre clock tower in the main square. Launching the Campaign was the MP for Blackburn with Darwen – the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP, Leader of the House of Commons. A small matter of how to erect the banner was resolved after several phone calls and a visit to another 24/7 Service - the local Fire Brigade. The Fire Chief came to the rescue and on the morning of 24th July the banner was erected causing considerable interest from shoppers in the town centre.

Chelmsford Branch won the battle of the branches quiz night in the lead up to 24:7, beating teams from Havering, Southend, and Basildon and Thurrock branches. Barry from Basildon and Thurrock said: “We also had collections at Lakeside shopping centre - everything went well and perhaps with a little more forward planning we could raise even more next year! We have already booked a hall for 2007 when we can celebrate our branch's 40^th birthday where we hope to raise lots and lots.”

Claire Sweeney, Jamie Cullum and up-and-coming band Guillemots all lent their support to our 24:7 Day by staging photo-shoots for Samaritans.

Claire called a halt to rehearsals for London’s West End production of Guys and Dolls and Mercury Prize nominees Guillemots also took time out from their busy touring schedule to show their support. Samaritans Young Ambassador Jamie said: “I’m completely with Samaritans volunteers on the vital support work they’re providing every minute of the day and night.”

Caithness Samaritans had a spectacular projection of Samaritans logos onto Dounreay’s nuclear fast reactor on 24:7. As their evening drew on, the Caithness Samaritans waited for clouds to clear, and from nine pm, and then through to midnight they were able to project 24:7 logos and Samaritans contact details through the night sky. Chairman of Caithness branch, Colin, said: “We hired the projector from Edinburgh and if the clouds hadn’t cleared the whole show would have been off. But just on time they cleared and the globe of the fast reactor proved the perfect shape for our images.”

“Taunton & Somerset branch had a very successful day”, reports Director Sue. “Our Bagpack at Sainsbury's with local MP Jeremy Browne raised more than £600, which got us off to a great start. We then had a busy day including displays at 5 libraries across the county, manned Display in Taunton's Old Market Centre, an evening get together and dance for volunteers and friends. Our Treasurer also spent the night alone up a local mound with a ruined church called Burrow Mump for sponsorship, raising over £400”.

Marks and Spencer kindly donated thank you hampers or vouchers to all Samaritans branches for 24:7. Director of Lancaster branch, Joy, told us: “It was a beautiful hamper and we at Lancaster were very grateful - the cake went down a treat with all the volunteers who had been collecting in the heat that day!”

North West Surrey held a picnic and concert on Saturday 22nd with over 100 people attending. The jazz band got the music started and a first class concert with the Weybridge Male Voice Choir followed. Branch Director, Brenda, said: “The evening was so much enjoyed that we have been asked to do it again next year. We raised over £700 which, with tickets costing a mere £10, was not too bad at all! We also raised over £500 by tin rattling at South West Stations, so thank you for organising this with South West Trains. All in all, I think 24:7 must have been a great success and hopefully we will all be able to build on this for next year.”

Samaritans of South Devon celebrated with a jazz cruise on 29 July and succeeded in raising more than £1,600 for their branch. The evening trip was from Totnes to Dartmouth and back, with 150 Samaritans volunteers and supporters enjoying jazz from High Society, as well as suitable refreshments. “All on board enjoyed the uplifting music which diverted attention from the driving wind and the torrential rain' said Mark, the branch's publicity officer. 'The weather certainly didn’t dampen our spirits and a great time was had by all”.

Volunteers in Scotland travelled between branches to spread the word on 24:7. A beautifully restored 1967 MG sports car and a Samaritans liveried taxi were the carriages and Glasgow, Hamilton, Falkirk, Kilmarnock, Inverclyde and Correspondence volunteers all got involved.

Hull branch had a ‘sleepover’ at the local shopping centre, raising their profile – and more than £1,500 for their branch funds at the same time. Director of the branch, Edward, told us: “We are absolutely delighted. About 20 local businesses supported us – sponsoring the sleepover, donating prizes, etc. We feel that we have really raised our profile in the city with this event and are really pleased with it. The only problem we have is how to top it next year!”