Meet Mark and Alison Battleday – supporting The Samaritans in Cornwall

Here at Henry Orchard & Sons we’re dedicated to giving back to our local community and we’re particularly proud that this ethos is also shared by our extended family – our staff.

One great example of this is Mark Battleday, who will have worked here with us for 20 years next year, and his mum Alison.

Here, Alison, who is a Trustee of The Samaritans in Truro explains how she and Mark work together to offer what is a vital service for the local community offering support for people who are often in desperate need of someone to listen.

“I have been a Samaritan for 13 years now I am a leader and Trustee, says Alison. “But what Mark and I do the most now is manage our Samaritan charity stall at Par Market.

Staff and a customer at the Samaritans Shop in Par Market

“This helps to raise funds for our Truro branch, which is the only Samaritans branch in Cornwall. It is manned by 74 listening volunteers 24/7. 

“We have support volunteers who help as well doing things such as helping out on the market stall, gardening and acting as treasurer. No one within the branch is paid and yet with all our bills it still costs around £52,000 each year to keep us open. Not many people are aware that the branch at Truro is a stand-alone charity, and the Cornwall Samaritans really need your help too!

“Someone calls the Samaritans once every six seconds, and it’s important to know that you don’t have to be suicidal to call us. 

“We are here to help and the conversations we have are always confidential and non-judgemental. The person on the end of the phone will simply listen without giving out advice. It is a safe place.

The Samaritans shop at Par Market

“Our market stall is open three days a week and we sell good quality second-hand goods (not furniture though or safety equipment). Our electrical equipment is all PAT tested and we rely on donations that are either dropped off to our stall or at my garage where it is all sorted. 

“This is where Mark helps a lot as he takes items we don’t need yet such as winter clothes to our lock-up in Par. He also sorts the garage out with me and also takes items and collects items from Truro. He’s a huge help.

“We do really rely on our local community to support us, so if you are interested in giving a donation or volunteering, please visit our website where you can contact us or donate online.

http://www.samaritans.org/branches/truro/

If you need our help, we offer support on the phone, face-to-face and through our School Outreach programme. 

You can call us for free on any phone on 116 123