Here you can see about our activities outside the branch, in Chesterfield and the surrounding area.
Peak Rail Rowsley Diesel Gala
This event was a showcase of heritage diesel locomotives and attracted many visitors. Our busy Outreach team were there with an Awareness Stall which attracted a good deal of interest.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Our Outreach team recently spent the day in the foyer of the Hospital. The team had lots of contacts with patients and staff and raised awareness at a location where some people could well be in need of the support Samaritans can give.
Small Talk Saves Lives
Here's our hard-working Outreach team, accompanied by Station staff, at this recent event taking place at Chesterfield Station. This Small Talk Saves Lives campaign recognises the importance of small talk and how starting a simple conversation could help save someone’s life. The team had a successful day, chatting with passengers and staff and raising awareness of our service.
Bakewell Livestock Market
Here’s our Outreach Team, spreading the word at the market, where there was a good deal of interest in our information table. Farmers are a vulnerable group, often coping with loneliness and a good deal of financial pressure. We were there, letting them know we’ll be available, if they need us.
Brew Monday – Chesterfield Station
Our Outreach team attended Chesterfield Station on Monday 20th January, the day the media refer to as Blue Monday, because the cheery effects of Christmas have worn off! In concert with Network Rail, Samaritans hold a national event on that day, to raise awareness of Samaritans and the service we provide. We hand out tea bags to passengers passing through the station and invite them to have a cup of tea on us. This leads to conversations about what we do.
Newbold Village Coop
Our outreach volunteers are pictured here, spreading the word at Newbold Village Coop. They gave out information and had the opportunity to chat with customers. They also ran a fun ‘Guess the Number of Coins in a Santa Jar’ competition.
Fire Engine Spreads Mental Health Awareness Message
Our Outreach team were present for the unveiling of the fire engine, designed to spread the word about mental health and to raise awareness of where to find support and wellbeing information.
The engine has been prepared by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in partnership with Derbyshire County Council. Samaritans are featured as a key partner agency.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has seen an 80% increase in the number of suicide incidents attended since 2019 and is supported by partner agencies in its response to such events.
Renishaw Hall Food & Craft Fair
Here are our dedicated Outreach volunteers spreading the word at this regular event.
They ran a Food Themed Quiz which was very well supported and helped us raise funds for the branch. The winner was Mr Paul Davis.
There were lots of high scoring entries, some very interesting answers and a lot of lovely comments. Thank you so much to all who took part. In case you’re wondering about the answer to the last question - our director’s favourite on-shift snack is Jaffa Cakes!
Also, a big thank you to Peak Rail who donated the super prize of an afternoon tea on one of their steam trains.
Chesterfield Pride
Our intrepid Outreach team attended the Chesterfield Pride event recently. The Pride day is an annual outing for us. We had a busy day with lots of positive contacts and conversation. The team enjoyed the day and further established our presence at this important event.
Chesterfield ThinkFest!
Here’s our dedicated team on duty at ThinkFest! held in Chesterfield Town Centre. Thinkfest! is Derbyshire's first mental health style festival that opens up conversations and awareness around mental health, suicide and wellbeing. This year's theme was 'Songs that saved your life'. All performers sang songs that have got them through some of their toughest times as well as singing songs suggested by the audience.
ThinkFest! acts as a preventative around mental health, helping people find out what kind of support is out there. Our team talked to some lovely people and had a great day. Even the weather was good!
Looking After Yourself
Many of us have faced difficult circumstances over recent years.
Support For Schools - 2 Videos
You can watch a mini animated clip here about the importance of talking, listening and reaching out. (40 secs)
There’s a video for older students here, on managing feelings and who you might talk to. (7 minutes)