On 19th September current Banbury and District Samaritans volunteers were joined by former volunteers and local dignitaries, donors and supporters for an evening of celebration.
This was our opportunity to thank all of those who keep the branch up and running throughout the year in order for us to be there for callers. There were representatives from some of the groups who have invited us to give talks, have held fundraising events, undertaken sponsored physical challenges such as a non-stop London to Brighton walk, an Arctic husky mush and a trek across the highlands of Iceland. The Chair of Avon Dasset Country Show also joined us as we were one of the two charities the Show supported this year. The variety of ways that our local community find to support us is truly inspiring.
We were very fortunate to have Ben Phillips, Samaritans Military Programme Project Manager, as our guest speaker (above). Ben previously served as an officer with the Royal Artillery, trained new recruits at the Army Foundation College, in addition to many roles that took him overseas to Afghanistan, Jordan, Kenya and Latvia amongst others. He also received additional training as a Casualty Notification Officer in the management of wounded, injured and sick soldiers and often found himself managing soldiers suffering from poor emotional health, psychological trauma as well as those finding the transition to civilian life a struggle. This experience made him the ideal choice for his Samaritans role which is making a great difference to serving military personnel, veterans and their families.
The evening was rounded off by the presentation of long service awards to three of our listening volunteers - Phil (15 Years), Liz (25 years) and Anne an amazing 45 years! Thank you everybody - and see you next year.