This May, along with 22 other Samaritans volunteers, I’m going to climb Snowdon to raise much needed funds for our amazing branch.

If you know me, you’ll know I’m not a regular mountain climber, so it’s fair to say I’m a tad nervous. But I’ve 8 weeks to train so I’m going for it!

Samaritans is a charity close to my heart and I’m proud to be a listening volunteer.

Every day, people reach out to Samaritans when life feels overwhelming. We offer a calm, confidential space to talk — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And every seven seconds, a Samaritan answers a call for help.

North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans have been here for the community since 1971. Last year, our unpaid volunteers answered more than 20,000 calls, supported hundreds of online chats, and delivered outreach in schools, workplaces and local stations as well as working with a local prison to deliver our Listener service.

Why does this matter? Every 90 seconds in the UK someone dies by suicide. For every suicide it is estimated that 135 people are affected by the loss. Almost one in four calls where emotional support was given involved suicidal feelings. Talking truly saves lives — but only if someone is there to listen.

Our branch receive no central funding. To keep our branch open, we must raise £35,000 every year. Your donation directly powers life‑saving conversations:

- £5 helps fund a call that could save a life

- £10 ensures a Samaritan is there to answer

- £25 helps train and support a new volunteer

- £100 keeps our branch open for a day

Every gift helps us be there for the next person who needs someone to listen — day or night, no judgement, no pressure, just support.

Thank you for helping keep this vital service open for our community.