Founder of Buxton Samaritans dies

Brian Hamilton was the founding member who set up a Buxton branch of the Samaritans 43 years ago.

Current Director of the Samaritans of Buxton and the High Peak, George Blackledge, said: “With great enthusiasm, and determination Brian and his colleagues managed to establish the branch in Buxton, which survived and prospered in the 43 years since its foundation.

“In 2017 we took over 10,000 calls, and supported many people within the borough through our outreach population.

Back in 1975 Brian, with a small number of other volunteers, took the decision that Buxton should have a branch of Samaritans 43 years ago.

At the time any caller from the Buxton and High Peak are who called Samaritans in distress or despair was transferred to other branches.

There will be a service in memory of Brian’s life on Tuesday, May 8 at 10.45am at St James Church, Harpur Hill.

George added: “We are still looking to build on what Brian and his colleagues started.

“We can only grow and support the growing number of callers who ring Samaritans by continuing to recruit new volunteers.”

Anyone who is interested in being a volunteer should contact the Buxton and High Peak branch on 01298 213322 or emailing to [email protected]

•For anyone who needs to contact the Samaritan’s anytime call free on 116123.