Norwich Samaritans hub reopens after £750,000 renovation

Norwich Samaritans raised the cash for its St Stephens Square listening centre after launching the Varah House Appeal last year. 

Lord Mayor of Norwich, James Wright, speaks at the opening of the newly refurbished Norwich Samaritans building (Image: Denise Bradley)

The charity – which had temporarily relocated to 17 Westlegate as works were carried out – has been based at the centre since it was founded in 1964.

But the Victorian building was facing structural and damp issues and became in need of urgent renovation.

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Local trusts, members of the public, charity supporters and readers of this newspaper all backed with the cause, with the charity – which helps around 40,000 callers every year – hitting its target in December 2022.

James Ellis, branch manager, inside the newly refurbished Norwich Samaritans building, by the volunteer listening booths (Image: Denise Bradley)

After almost a year of renovation works, the Norwich Samaritans listening centre was officially reopened on Friday.  

“We would like to thank all those involved in making the renovation of our branch possible,” said branch director James Ellis.

“From the many Trusts and donors, to the architects Brown & Co and main contractors Overton Ltd, without their help this would not have been possible.  

A break-out area at the Norwich Samaritan office (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We now have a branch that will see us able to continue support, and allow us to expand so that we can support even more for many more years to come”.

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Monica Melinsky, daughter of the founder of the Norwich Samaritans, Canon Hugh Melinsky, speaks at the opening of the newly refurbished building (Image: Denise Bradley)

The work will enable the charity to support roughly 30,000 more people who are in distress or at risk of suicide every year, including through its 24/7 confidential telephone helpline.

A spokesman for the Rackham Trust, which helped secure the funding last year, said the improvement would lead to “many vulnerable members of the community being helped”.

A rest room for the listening volunteers at the Norwich Samaritan office (Image: Denise Bradley)

Outside of its centre, volunteers also hold talks around listening and mental wellbeing at local schools, universities, events and businesses.

Every year, 180 Samaritans volunteers give over 20,000 hours to support those struggling to cope.

Find out more here: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/norwich/.

The lockers decorated by graffiti artist Knapple (Image: Denise Bradley)