As a former dedicated supporter of Cambridge Samaritans, I was delighted to attend their 50th anniversary today where the city’s Mayor, Coun Sheila Stuart, praised volunteers for their listening and non-judgemental skills.

“Bereavement, redundancy, poverty, the loss of a home, illness, the breakdown of a relationship – there are so many things that can cause acute anguish and despondency,” she said.

“We perhaps endeavour to be strong and not to trouble others. But, from my own experience, a problem shared is a problem halved, and it is comforting to talk to a good listener, not necessarily to obtain advice, but to gain perspective and support.”

These selfless volunteers who even give up their nights to sit by the phone to offer support to a depressed and perhaps suicidal person during his deepest darkest moment are indeed our unsung heroes. Volunteers at Cambridge respond to 50 calls a day either by phone, email or in person; 1 in 5 of those desperate callers has considered suicide – how could we manage without them?

Cambridge is one of 202 Samaritan branches around the UK and was established following a visit to the city by Chad Varah, the inspirational founder of the Samaritans, who spoke at Emmanuel College in 1962 about their work.

The city’s branch has flourished over the years and provides outreach work to prisoners at Littlehey Prison, homeless people at Jimmy’s night shelter and for prisoners who are held in police custody.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, if you can becoming a listening ear, please ring 0800 298 6004.

“You are such a reassuring and comforting presence available to any of us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ‘Thank you’ really seems inadequate – heaven knows just how many thousands of people have benefited from your generosity of spirt and time – yet thank you we do,” added the Mayor.

Meanwhile, tomorrow afternoon I shall visit Headway Cambridgeshire, another local charity close to my heart where I was chair of trustees up until last year. They are holding an official opening of their new premises and I look forward to seeing many old friends there.I always tell people that any of us could one day suffer a head injury without warning that will dramatically change our lives, and those of our loved ones, for ever. Headway is there to help provide rehabilitation and support carers and families.

I firmly believe that helping others unconditionally who are less fortunate, giving something back to society this way, broadens our horizons and opens our eyes to many different, challenging and awesome experiences which is invaluable and enriches our character.