Twenty-two volunteers from the North Herts and Stevenage (Hitchin) branch recently completed a fundraising climb of Yr Wyddfa (aka Snowdon) in extremely difficult weather conditions. The team faced mist, rain and very limited visibility throughout the walk but they didn't let that dampen their efforts. Despite the challenging conditions, the entire group successfully reached the summit together, showing remarkable determination, resilience and team spirit. The current total raised stands at just over £15,000 with fundraising still ongoing through the branch's JustGiving page.

Every day, people reach out to Samaritans when life feels overwhelming. Volunteers offer a calm, confidential space to talk — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In May 2026 alone, 1761 phone calls and 71 online chats were taken by the volunteers at the Hitchin branch, highlighting the vital service Samaritans delivers.

Jo Coxon and Wendy Roberts, Co-Directors of North Herts and Stevenage (Hitchin) Samaritans Branch said, "North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans is a completely self-funded branch, making fundraising efforts like this essential. Each year we need to raise around £35,000 just to cover our operating costs and we can't do this alone! We do not receive funds from Samaritans Central Office and rely on donors and our volunteers who give up their time to help with fundraising activities. We are incredibly proud of the commitment and compassion shown by our volunteers, both during this challenge and through the ongoing support they provide to people who contact Samaritans."

Every donation directly powers life‑saving conversations:

• £5 helps fund a call that could save a life
• £10 ensures a Samaritan is there to answer
• £25 helps train and support a new volunteer
• £100 keeps our branch open for a day

Every gift helps us be there for the next person who needs someone to listen — day or night, no judgement, no pressure, just support.

Thank you for helping keep this vital service open for our community.

To find out more about Samaritans, and the work of the Hitchin branch in particular, visit: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/hitchin/