Last year, 115 volunteers from Samaritans of Bournemouth and District answered more than 36,000 calls for help, according to the latest figures released by the national suicide prevention charity.Nationally,21,007 volunteers responded to 5,331,295 calls for help in the UK and Republic of Ireland*.
The figures are being released to coincide with Volunteers’ Week, a national initiative that runs from 1-7 June. Samaritans’ volunteers are ordinary people, who dedicate time every week to provide a safe space for anyone struggling to cope with whatever life has thrown at them.
Volunteers from the Bournemouth are also involved in work across the Dorset community. The outreach team visit schools and colleges to talk about what the work that the Samaritans do (and why that work is needed). Until recently, we had a presence in Dorchester Prison (before it closed) supporting prisoners. We have links with emergency services, to support first responders – so important given the scenes that they are presented with on a regular basis. We work with National Rail to provide support for staff (and passengers) following railway line fatalities and incidents. We have a strong relationship with Bournemouth University, supporting students and staff, especially through the branch Patron Dr Andrew Mayers (Senior Lecturer at the university).
Rose, Director at Samaritans of Bournemouth and District, welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the difference their volunteers make in their local community.
“I’m so grateful to all of our volunteers. I want to thank them all for their commitment and hard work. It’s great to see how they support people in ways that work well for our callers, on the phone, via email or visiting us in branch. We know that people who are struggling benefit from having a real person to connect with, someone who is trained to listen to them.
Samaritans wouldn’t exist without the dedication of our volunteers. As well as listening on the helpline, there are lots of ways people can get involved with Samaritans, whether it’s fundraising, marketing, helping with admin or IT, or offering other valuable skills. We are always looking for new volunteers, so get in touch!”
George, a graphic designer by trade and volunteer at Samaritans of Bournemouth and District for over 40 years, said “volunteering for the Samaritans is so rewarding. I get far more back than I put in. We listen and care for people. What the Samaritans do is so simple and yet so effective”.
Find out more about volunteering for Samaritans by calling 08705627282 or emailing [email protected] for more information.
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.
For more information please contact Dr Andrew Mayers, branch Patron and publicity officer, on 07749 201980 or via [email protected]
