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Last night, (September 5) I had the privilege of being MC for the Ipswich branch of the Samaritans Charity Ball, held at the stunning Talbooth on the Suffolk–Essex border. It was one of those evenings where you felt the community come together — a mix of music, generosity, and goodwill. At the time of writing, the final fundraising total hasn’t been confirmed, but it will certainly amount to many thousands of pounds. Whatever the figure, it will go directly into supporting the day-to-day work of this vital local branch.
My role was to help guide the evening, keeping the programme flowing between speeches, entertainment, and the charity auction. I shared the stage with a fantastic live band The Bears and professioanl auctioneer Geoffrey Barfoot from Campsea Ashe–based Clarke and Simpson, who did a wonderful job coaxing those extra bids from guests. A short video was shown before dinner, and it was a sobering reminder of why this charity exists and why the funds raised really matter.
Why Samaritans Matter
I’ve not, to date, needed to pick up the phone to the Samaritans myself — but I know people who I dearly wish had. That knowledge made being part of this event especially meaningful.
To have someone at the end of a line who will listen without judgement is something we shouldn’t underestimate. The Samaritans won’t tell you what to do. They won’t pressure you into decisions. They simply listen. And for someone in pain, that act of being heard can be life-changing.
The sheer demand for the service is staggering. Every hour of every day, someone in the UK is reaching out to the Samaritans. They’re contacted about all sorts of concerns — what feels “small” to one person may feel insurmountable to another.
Some common reasons people call include:
- Relationship or family problems
- Loss and bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job or study stress
- Loneliness and isolation
- Depression
- Illness and disability
- Dependency on alcohol or drugs
- Thoughts of suicide
Supporting the Ipswich Branch
Events like the Talbooth ball are more than just glamorous evenings — they’re lifelines. Every pound raised will help keep the Ipswich branch open and available 24/7.
And there are lots of ways to support beyond events like this:
- Making a donation to your local branch
- Volunteering time as a listener or in other roles
- Sharing awareness of the service with your own network
- Encouraging anyone struggling to reach out
- The Ipswich branch have their own shop 20 Carr St, Ipswich.
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A Night to Remember
As MC, it was a joy to weave the night together, keep the energy up, and see people’s generosity unfold in real time. Guests left not only entertained but also more aware of the staggering level of support the Samaritans provide — and how much our local branch is relied upon.
If you, or someone you know, ever feels overwhelmed, please remember: the Samaritans are there, any hour of the day or night.
👉 Call 116 123 free of charge at any time.
