A County Durham woman has been awarded by after volunteering for mental health charity Samaritans.

Joanna Smith, who also works at County Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service (CDDFRS), began volunteering for Durham Samaritans in 2002 after she was struggling mentally.

She has since worked for the charity organisation on their Samaritans helpline service and more recently at HMP Durham and Low Newton on the listening service, helping prisoners “turn a corner”.

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Now marking two decades in her voluntary role that sees her dedicating nearly 170 hours every year, Joanna says she “hasn’t looked back”.

She said: “Being a Samaritan is not about giving people advice or direction, it is simply about listening.

“Over the years I have spoken to so many people who have just needed someone to talk to and I’d like to think I have made a difference to many people’s lives, just by being there”.

This latest accolade is another special addition to Joanna’s glowing awards, including an MBE she received from the then HRH The Prince of Wales in 2017.

Despite all this praise, Joanna has remained humble and has called the whole experience “unbelievably rewarding”.

She said: “The work that we do is so simple, it’s just about being the voice at the other end of the phone, that listens, and we do make a difference.

“Helping others in their moment of need is unbelievably rewarding.”

Don Stronach, Durham Samaritans branch director who works with Joanna, has admitted she is an “invaluable” volunteer at the service, congratulating her on this milestone.

He said: “I’m delighted that Joanna’s extraordinary dedication to Samaritans is being recognised.

“Joanna is an invaluable part of Durham Samaritans – she’s extremely friendly, readily supports fellow volunteers and has a wealth of knowledge that we all lean on. Congratulations Joanna!”

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Chief Fire Officer at CDDFRS, Steve Helps, has said he and his team are “incredibly proud” of Joanna’s hard work.

Steve said: “I would like to congratulate Joanna on achieving 20 years’ service as a Samaritans listening volunteer.

“I am personally humbled to know the level of dedication amongst those who work for CDDFRS and as a service we are unbelievably proud of Joanna and the commitment she has given to such a fantastic cause.”