Please visit https://www.samaritans.org/branches/bracknell
Pictured Above: Monica Wyatt – Platinum Champion volunteer
Local Samaritan wins Platinum Champions Award in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee
A Samaritans’ listening volunteer from the local branch of the charity is one of less than 500 people across the UK to be recognised with a special award to help mark the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
Monica Wyatt has been a dedicated volunteer with Samaritans for nearly 37 years and at Samaritans of Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts for 17 of those years, providing life-saving emotional support to people who contact the leading suicide prevention charity. Monica is one of several Samaritans’ volunteers to be honoured, each having made the 490-shortlist from more than 3,000 nominees who were put forward anonymously by friends, family and colleagues.
Together with Royal Voluntary Service President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, and in partnership with The Big Jubilee Lunch, the awards celebrate outstanding volunteers across the country who are making a difference every day.
On hearing of the award, Monica said: “Being recognised for my voluntary work is lovely. I’m still a listening volunteer with Samaritans after 37 years and also volunteer in the deaf community and areas related to mental health. This award is also an important recognition of these areas of need for so many people.”
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, added: “I am delighted that a number of our incredible Samaritans volunteers have been recognised as Platinum Champions. This is a real testament to the time and dedication each volunteer gives to Samaritans and the people we help support. Congratulations to everyone who has won an award – you are all a credit to Samaritans and we could not be prouder.”
The award coincided with Volunteers’ Week (1-7th June) which celebrates the positive impact volunteering has across the country.
Samaritans has around 22,000 volunteers who are available around the clock, 365 days a year.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.