09/06/2026
My first official engagement as Deputy Mayor of Medway, and I couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful way to begin this journey.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of Samaritans Medway, Gravesham and Swale, celebrating 60 years of local volunteers providing support, compassion and a listening ear to those who needed it most.
It was an emotional and inspiring afternoon. Throughout the celebration, I found myself in awe of the dedication shown by the volunteers and the difference they make to so many lives. Some were receiving awards recognising nearly 40 years of service. That is far more than volunteering – it is a lifelong commitment to supporting others and an extraordinary act of kindness.
A particular highlight was a beautiful artwork created by Alice Jo depicting the different buildings the Samaritans have called home over the past six decades. It was a wonderful reminder of how the organisation has grown whilst remaining true to its purpose.
What struck me most was hearing about the sheer number of people supported every day. Since the introduction of the national call system, volunteers are now helping people not only locally, but across the country and, in some cases, internationally. Often they never know what happened after the call ends. They simply listen, without judgement, and trust that their compassion has helped someone begin to put the pieces back together.
Anyone who knows me knows how passionately I believe in the power of listening. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is the time and space to talk without judgement. Being truly heard can help people find their own strength, regain confidence and see a way forward. The volunteers at the Samaritans don’t tell people what to do; they listen, they support, and they empower people to find the answers that are right for them.
Listening is a skill. The volunteers at the Samaritans have turned it into an art form.
It was an honour to meet so many remarkable people on Saturday. I hesitate to call what they do “work” because it feels like something much deeper than that. Their compassion, dedication and humanity make a difference to countless lives every single day.
My sincere thanks to Adrian for hosting such a wonderful celebration and to Joanne for all the hard work behind the scenes in making the event such a success.
I will always remember this as my first official event as Deputy Mayor. The kindness, dedication and humility of the volunteers I met will stay with me for a very long time. I also promised that I would arrive armed with chocolate biscuits on a future visit, and I fully intend to keep that promise! I look forward to seeing everyone again and continuing to support the incredible work of the Samaritans in the future.
Thank you to every Samaritans volunteer, past and present. For 60 years you have been there to listen, to care, and to remind people that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
Listening changes lives, and Saturday reminded me just how powerful that can be.
💚 Happy 60th Anniversary, Samaritans Medway, Gravesham and Swale. 💚
Samaritans
Sharon Jackson
