Samaritans thank priceless volunteers

Every six seconds someone contacts Samaritans. Across the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 20,000 volunteers give well over 5 million hours of their time a year - responding to calls, fundraising, supporting people in prisons, workplaces and schools, and running its 201 branches.

The charity estimates that paid employees would be earning the equivalent of £72m a year.

Caroline, a volunteer with the Horsham & Crawley branch, says: “Knowing you’ve made a difference to someone’s life is all the reward any of us needs. Just being there to listen, in confidence, to someone going through a tough time in their lives can be really helpful to that person. It could be family, work, money or relationship issues, or perhaps they’ve lost a loved one. Whatever they are dealing with, we listen and give people the courage to open up about what’s happening in their life and support them to get through.”

Roger Dugdale, Director of Samaritans’ Horsham & Crawley branch said: “Life can be tough for anyone, and everyone deals with challenges in different ways. As Samaritans volunteers, we don’t judge, we’re here for absolutely anyone, and we want people to talk to us before they feel overwhelmed. I’d like to thank each and every one of our dedicated volunteers – the work they do is priceless. If you’re open-minded and feel that the moment is right in your life to give some time to others, why not think about volunteering with us?”

Samaritans volunteers work in a variety of roles including responding to calls, emails, letters and texts, as well as talking to people who call into the branch for support. Many others help with awareness raising and events.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, you don’t have to be suicidal. Whatever you’re going through, call us free any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are interested in volunteering for Samaritans, please got to www.samaritans.org. Or you can contact the Horsham & Crawley branch directly: 01403 276 276; [email protected]; or call in to 21 Denne Road, Horsham RH12 1JE. Information will be available at the Thursday and Saturday markets in the Carfax and there will be the opportunity to speak to current volunteers there.