Lammas Park bench in Ealing commemorates 50 years of Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Samaritans

To mark 50 years of work by volunteers at the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow branch of Samaritans, a commemorative bench in Lammas Park, Ealing has formally been opened for the community to use as “a quiet place for people to take the time to talk, and to listen”.

Since opening in West London on 21 January 1972, more than 2,200 Samaritan volunteers have answered over one million phone calls providing a confidential service for people seeking emotional support.

The bench was officially opened by Julie Bentley, chief executive of Samaritans UK and Ireland who before cutting the ribbon said: “This is to remember the 50 years of dedicated by wonderful volunteers, those came before us and those that will follow us.”

Heena Johnson, the 17th director of the Samaritans branch said: “The dedication of this bench brings to an end the celebration of our first 50 years. With its wonderful view of the park, we hope it will provide a quiet place for people to take the time to talk, and to listen.”

The message on the bench’s commemorative plaque reads: “When you need to talk we will be there to listen, we have been doing it for 50 years. Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans.”

The bench can be found near the Elers Road entrance to Lammas Park.

As well as manning the phones and running an email support service, the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow branch participates in the Rail Industry Suicide prevention programme which aims to reduce suicide on the railways and to support everyone affected by them.

It also runs the Listener Scheme at Wormwood Scrubs prison where a group of prisoners is selected and trained to offer emotional support to other prisoners who are experiencing feelings of distress.

A spokesman said that in order to continue running its services, it relies on the public for financial help. “All Samaritans branches are individual charities run entirely by volunteers and Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans (registered charity number 1173588) can only continue to support those in despair and distress thanks to donations, legacies and fundraising by the Branch.”

For anyone needing support, you can contact Samaritans for FREE any time from any phone on 116 123. The number doesn’t show up on any phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org