Lowestoft: Samaritans move to Riverside Business Centre base

After 55 years at their previous base in Beach Road, Lowestoft the Samaritans of Lowestoft and Waveney have relocated to new premises in the Riverside Business Centre.

The mayor of Lowestoft, Alan Green and Waveney MP Peter Aldous at the official opening. (Image: Mick Howes)

There were smiles aplenty as a ribbon was cut by the Mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green and Waveney MP Peter Aldous at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

Carole Bright, branch director of the Samaritans of Lowestoft and Waveney District, welcomed everyone to celebrate a new beginning at Riverside Business Centre after relocating from Beach Road, where they had been since 1967.

Samaritans in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

A spokesman said: "The house was full of memories, of friends and colleagues from long ago, calls that will never be forgotten, and the many cups of tea drunk in the middle of the night.

"Although there was obviously some sadness as the volunteers said goodbye to Beach Road, the new premises will soon be where new friends and colleagues are welcomed and more unforgettable calls are taken."

Samaritans in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

Mrs Bright said: "It has been a big upheaval to relocate here after all those years, but we are now accessible to all our volunteers and the one constant is that we are still the most easterly branch in the country."

Responding, the mayor of Lowestoft, Mr Green said: "You do a lot of sterling work supporting people and have a sympathetic ear and I congratulate you all.

Samaritans listening volunteer Susie showing Alan Green a workstation in the operations room. (Image: Mick Howes)

"You are brilliant."

Mr Aldous said: "I think you are unsung heroes who are not looking for plaudits and because of that your work goes largely under the radar.

"These are challenging times and therefore the service that you provide is more vital than ever.

"Thanks for all you do and best wishes for this exciting new beginning."

Samaritans of Lowestoft & Waveney at their new base with Waveney MP Peter Aldous and mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green (Image: Mick Howes)

Providing a 24-hour, seven-day service with a central number - 116123 - calls feed into all branches in the UK from this number.

Mrs Bright said: "If a local branch isn’t open the call will still be answered.

"In the new premises we have two rooms.

"One is an operations room with three listening positions each with a computer and telephone and the other room is for administration, office work and storage.

cutting shows WDC Chairman Jack Reynolds handing over a message from Duchess of Kent to mark the 40th anniversary of the Samaritans nationally (Image: Mick Howes)

"We also have access to another communal room which we use for training."

With 30 volunteers working at the local branch, another 10 are "about to start" with further training in the spring.

Cutting shows Opening Day of Charity Shop with Branch Director Penny Lockyear on left (Image: Mick Howes)

A charity shop at 99A High Street in Lowestoft is also run, which earns income to help The Samaritans run the service.

Mrs Bright said: "We want more volunteers but not only listening volunteers we also need fundraisers and people to help us in the charity shop.

Fundraising for the local branch of the Samaritans (Image: Samaritans)

"We provide emotional support and can signpost and direct callers to other organisations who may be more appropriate to help with mental health, homelessness or addiction."

How to get in touch

Starting from Monday, January 23, a 'Brew Monday' drop-in session - hosted by the Lowestoft and Waveney Samaritans - will be held from 10am to 2pm at the Parcel Offices on Lowestoft Railway Station.

To speak to a Samaritan, please call 116 123 (freephone) or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a Samaritan, contact Lowestoft.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org.