A CHARITY that has helped to save and change lives in Cornwall for over half a century has celebrated long service awards for six volunteers with over 150 years of listening between them.

Sylvia Powlesland, Melanie Tylor and Anne Lemon were each recognised for 20 years of volunteering with The Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro, with Margaret Tucker achieving 25 years and Martin Buck 30 years. Longest standing volunteer “Penny191” was recognised for an impressive 48 years of service.

At its AGM, the charity reflected on another year’s work. Highlights included progressing major capital developments to the city headquarters to improve accessibility and service delivery, and reaching over 100,000 people in 12 months thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

The Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro is an independent charity run by volunteers, who travel to the Treyew Road branch from across the county to provide a service for adults and children in despair, reducing the incidence of suicidal feelings by simply listening.

Voluntary director Sue Wilkins, who travels to the branch from Liskeard, thanked her 100-strong pool of volunteers. “In the year from April 2023 to March 2024, they donated the equivalent of over £90,000 of their time to answering over 23,000 calls for help,” she said.

“Our outreach, awareness and prevention reached over 100,000 people in a range of direct and indirect ways. This can only happen with a team of dedicated volunteers, of which there are around 100, who support the branch in a multitude of ways.

“It is due to our volunteers’ dedication and time that we have been able to be there for people in distress and increase our visibility in places of need.”

Sylvia Powlesland, listening volunteer and voluntary deputy director for training, travels to the branch from Polgooth, near St Austell. “I joined Truro Samaritans in 2004 with no intention of doing anything but listening,” she said. “I have had the real privilege over the years of holding many posts since then, including branch director, deputy regional director and national auditor.

“I can’t begin to count the hours I have spent on Samaritans, but can honestly say that for everything I have given, it has repaid in so many ways over and over again. I’m still amazed by what people do, and am still totally passionate about what the organisation offers. It’s by far the best thing I have ever got involved with.”

Listening volunteer “Penny191” added: “I have met some amazing people, several of whom are lifelong friends. In the words of the Dianna Ross song: ‘Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place when we can…That’s what we strive to do.”

Cornwall Samaritans would like to attract new volunteers so it can open more hours, embrace new technology and offer more outreach. The charity particularly needs assistance with support roles such as fundraising, running its stall at Par Market and exploring a complementary online shop.

To find out more, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org/truro