Bournemouth Branch is 60 years old in 2021
In 1961, Bournemouth Samaritans became the 6th branch in the United Kingdom to open its doors. The branch was founded in March 1961 by the senior priest of St Peter's Church, Eric Evans and the first shift was in St Peter's Church Hall with a telephone, a table and some chairs. Since then, Bournemouth branch Samaritans has moved premises and grown in numbers of listening and support volunteers. In 2020, we took in excess of 12,000 calls and 7,000 emails. Bournemouth branch remains open and our volunteers are committed in remaining open during these difficult times