Meet the 81-year-old who has volunteered for Glasgow Samaritans for 50 years

A volunteer who has spent five decades with Glasgow Samaritans has been honoured with a British Empire Medal.

Joan Cameron, 81, was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List this month for her 'sustained commitment' to the charity.

She joined the Samaritans at the Glasgow branch in May 1974 during a career break to care for her young children and has since held various roles including branch director.

She is currently the regional quality development officer.

Joan said: “I joined Samaritans when I was off work looking after my very young children.

"I wanted to do some voluntary work to give back and to have direct contact with people needing to talk.

“Samaritans is a brilliant organisation and I’m privileged to have been a part of it for 50 years.

“I still get a huge amount of satisfaction from taking calls on shift. I enjoy mixing with other volunteers from the Glasgow branch and from other branches as a RQDO, and formerly as a Branch Visitor / Quality Mentor, and learning about other branches.”

Joan, who was a speech and language therapist, was proposed for the honour by her peers.

She was married to her husband Iain until he passed away in 2021.

She has a son, a daughter, and four granddaughters.

She said: "I heard about being honoured with a BEM about six weeks ago and was thrilled about it.

"I am so touched by the number of calls and messages that I have had since it went public.

"I’m now really looking forward to a branch function in August in recognition of my 50 years with them.”

Elizabeth McConnell, Glasgow branch director, said: “We nominated Joan in recognition of her amazing achievement of volunteering with Glasgow Samaritans for 50 years.

“Her dedication and commitment to the branch is inspirational. She shares her skills and experience with the whole organisation in her role as Regional Quality Development Officer and is well-known far beyond the Glasgow Branch.

“I personally really valued Joan's wisdom, experience and support when I took on the role of director and we are all thrilled that she has been recognised in this way.”