Volunteers at Samaritans Scotland’s oldest branch have marked 65 years since the first call was answered there.
The charity’s Edinburgh branch was established on June 1, 1959 – becoming only the second Samaritans branch in the UK.
Samaritans was founded in 1953 in London by Chad Varah. Today, there are more than 200 branches throughout the UK and Ireland, including 19 in Scotland.
In its first year, the Edinburgh branch recorded 550 calls. It now answers around 25,000 contacts from people looking for emotional support.
The weekend’s anniversary was even more poignant as Volunteers’ Week – which celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make in communities across the UK – kicked off on Monday.
Branch Director, Julia Boxer-Peden, said: “I’m immensely proud to be Director at the point where we mark this milestone in our branch’s history.
“This anniversary belongs to our volunteers, both past and present, who have been there to listen to our callers throughout the years. It is their dedication which has allowed us to be part of the Edinburgh Community for 65 years.
“And we’ve changed during this time, moving from the centre of town to Torphichen Street. We now have a brilliant charity shop in Nicholson Street, which opened four years ago, and has provided a different way for people to volunteer with us.
“On Saturday, we marked the anniversary by continuing to be there for our callers, like we did 65 years ago.
“Later in the year, we are hoping to hope to have a larger celebration to mark our anniversary and give thanks to our volunteers who are the reason the branch continues to be able to listen.”
Samaritans Scotland Executive Director, Neil Mathers, said: “A huge congratulations to the Edinburgh branch on reaching such an incredible milestone.
“Of course, this could not be achieved without the dedication and compassion of every single volunteer at the branch since its establishment – for which, Samaritans is very grateful.
“As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, it is fitting we pay tribute to the volunteers at the Edinburgh branch and all they have done and continue to do to support those in emotional distress.”