Act 7 of 30: Supporting Those Who Are Always There to Listen

Some acts of kindness happen quietly. 

A reassuring conversation. A compassionate voice. Someone simply taking the time to listen. 

As part of our 30 for 30 campaign, we’re celebrating Premier Community’s 30th birthday by carrying out 30 acts of kindness that support the people and organisations making a real difference across our communities. 

One organisation that embodies those values is Chesterfield Samaritans. 

Recently, our Communications Manager, Tim Isterling, and Amanda Winnard, Workforce Development Manager and Wellbeing Lead, had the privilege of visiting the Chesterfield branch to learn more about the incredible work carried out by its volunteers. 

For people experiencing emotional distress or simply struggling to cope, Chesterfield Samaritans provides a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard. As part of Samaritans’ 24-hour service, volunteers offer emotional support by phone, online chat and through outreach work, ensuring that people never have to face difficult moments alone. 

Last year alone, volunteers at Chesterfield Samaritans responded to more than 5,600 calls and messages, highlighting both the scale of the service and the growing need for someone who will simply listen. 

What struck us most during our visit was that every single person we met was a volunteer. 

Their dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting others was genuinely inspiring. 

Like Premier Community, caring for people is at the heart of everything they do. While our teams support people to live safely and independently at home, Chesterfield Samaritans supports people through life’s emotional challenges. Different services, but the same belief: being there when people need you most. 

As one of our 30 for 30 acts of kindness, we were proud to donate enough to support the training of two new listening volunteers. While the initial core skills training lasts eight weeks, the full training programme takes between six and nine months to complete, including mentoring, ongoing group sessions and digital learning. Our donation will help more people access emotional support whenever they need it, ensuring there are even more volunteers ready to listen with empathy, patience and understanding. 

Reflecting on the visit, Amanda Winnard said: 

“It was a pleasure to meet the fantastic team at Chesterfield Samaritans. Every member of the team is a volunteer, and the dedication, compassion and commitment they show in providing emotional support as part of Samaritans’ 24-hour service is truly inspiring. 
We were delighted to make a donation that will help fund the training of two new volunteers, enabling even more people to receive support when they need it most. 
Thank you to everyone at Samaritans for the incredible difference you make to so many lives every single day.” 

Gaby Vauclair, Branch Director at Chesterfield Samaritans, said: 

This year we’re celebrating 55 Years of Listening in Chesterfield, so it’s particularly special to have Premier Community supporting us through their own 30 for 30 campaign. We’re hugely grateful for their generosity and for recognising the importance of having a local listening service that’s available whenever people need it.” 

This project was made possible thanks to Alex, one of our office team, who recognised an opportunity for Premier Community to support this remarkable local charity. Thank you, Alex, for putting Chesterfield Samaritans on our radar and helping turn a great idea into one of our 30 acts of kindness. 

As a charity run entirely by volunteers, every donation helps Chesterfield Samaritans continue training new listening volunteers and providing vital emotional support across our community. 

Thank you to everyone at Chesterfield Samaritans for welcoming us so warmly. It was a privilege to learn more about your work, and we’re incredibly proud to support your mission as part of our 30 for 30 campaign. 

If you’d like to find out more about Chesterfield Samaritans, volunteer, or support their 55 Years of Listening appeal, please visit links at the bottom of the page. 

If you’re experiencing emotional distress, struggling to cope, or simply need someone to listen, Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 free from any phone, or visit the website above to explore other ways to get in touch.