One-2-One with Eva

Each quarter we ask one of our volunteers to provide us with an insight into why they chose to become a Samaritan volunteer, what roles they have undertaken within the organisation, how long they have been a Samaritan volunteer and how being a Samaritan volunteer has affected their lives both from a volunteering and personal perspective.

My Memories of Samaritans in the Early Days
(This is a brief summary of Eva’s early experiences with the Samaritans)

I joined Samaritans in the City of London in the mid 50’s as a result of Chad Varah’s appeal. I was accepted for training (six weekly lectures and no role play!) An important thing we were told was that one could be a volunteer today and a caller tomorrow. We were expected to do a 4 hourly duty once a fortnight, if possible on the same night. For night duty we climbed a narrow winding little staircase to get to a tiny room at St Stephens Church, Walbrook.

The problems that our clients (now known as callers) presented on the phone were more or less the same as they are now. Everyone who came into the church to see us was always warmly welcomed and offered a cup of tea or coffee. We would listen to our clients in the main room, but privacy was available if required. Two or more volunteers were on duty at a time and we met every few weeks to discuss any difficulties. Like today we had social events and fundraising as well.

While on duty if we felt a caller needed and wanted to be befriended we could arrange it there and then ourselves. The places of meeting varied, sometimes it would be in their home, the centre, a café or the park. One to one befriending was encouraged and thought to be helpful to our clients. Chad Varah believed strongly in befriending and visiting people whatever their problem, including the ever-present risk of suicide. Despite what seems now to me hazardous befriending, I don’t remember any of us getting into really serious troubles.

The London Samaritans had another function and that was arranging baby adoptions and sometimes young single pregnant women would come into the centre desperate and suicidal as a result of their pregnancy uncertain of what to do with their babies – Where appropriate, Chad would assist them with the emotional side of the adoption.

Chad said that volunteers need Samaritans as much as clients do, that certainly is true in my case, and I have always felt that I have gained from Samaritans much more than I have put into them.

Q. Can you give us an insight into why you chose to become a volunteer?
I became interested having seen Chad Varah on TV and felt very empathetic at the time.

Q. How long have you been a volunteer?
10 years in London, followed by a gap of approximately 30 years, followed by 13 years at Barnstaple.

Q. What extra roles have you taken on within Samaritans in addition to being a listening volunteer?
Committee member (this means I was a trustee of the Charity) and Day Leader. (A Day leader is an experienced Samaritan who offers special support to other volunteers on duty).

Q. Have you done any other voluntary work?
Yes, I have had considerable experience of other caring work, but I feel Sams is the most rewarding to do.

Q. Do you tell family and friends you are a Samaritan and how do they react?
I do, and they react with interest.

Q. Do you personally feel well supported by Samaritans? How does Day Leader system compare with the meetings described in your early experiences?
I have always received support, and felt earlier meetings were good.

Q. Have you attended any regional training and / or Conferences that you feel have been particularly worthwhile?
Annual Conference – where I heard Chad Varah speak.

Q. How has being a volunteer affected your life both from a volunteer and personal perspective?
It has helped me understand people and become more tolerant. Meeting fellow volunteers and callers has made a big impact.

Q. Is there any message you would like to send to people reading the website?
I feel the most precious thing we offer is time – time to listen, in this very busy world. Phone - because we are always warm and friendly. Become a volunteer – it is an enlightening experience and helps you grow as a person.

Our thanks go to Eva for this brief insight into her reasons for becoming and remaining a volunteer with Samaritans, and to Jenny our Branch Secretary, for conducting the interview and preparing this article. Next quarter the spotlight will fall on Duncan, our Branch Director.

How about YOU?
If, having read this One-2-One it has inspired you to want to become a Samaritan volunteer in any capacity whatsoever then all we ask is that you do something about it NOW either email our Branch Secretary with your contact details or alternatively download an Information Pack by clicking on either of these links.

One day YOU could be the focus of a Samaritans One-2-One and an inspiration to others!

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