One-2-One

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.

Interview with Bill our Outreach Deputy Director

Q. Can you give us an insight into why you chose to become a volunteer?
I think it was a combination of things; I lost someone who I knew had called Samaritans many many times, and found them to be a comfort, which led to me wanting to know more about Samaritans. At about the same time, I had some spare time in my own life and wanted to do something worthwhile.

Q. How long have you been a volunteer?
It has been about 6 years now, but I often feel like it has been a lot less, it does not seem anything like 6 years.

Q. So what is it like being a Samaritan?
Being a Samaritan never ceases to amaze me.

As a practical thinker, a typical “bloke” I am still surprised when a caller confides in me, revealing things about themselves that they cannot tell friends or family, its a great privilege, sharing a callers deepest thoughts and emotions, experiencing their fears with them, sharing their hopes and wishes too.

Riding someone’s emotional rollercoaster with them, being there when they want to scream, when they do not know what twists and turns await them, and when they cannot face the next uphill climb alone, is, to me, what being a Samaritan is all about. Not trying to influence their path, not making their decisions for them, just being alongside them for the ride. As long as they want or need you there, till the end if need be.

Q. What roles have you undertaken while in the Samaritans?
The most important Role is being a Samaritan, providing time and space for someone to explore their own thoughts, but I have also been a part of the training and selection team, the management committee, Leader, Tea maker and Biscuit Buyer, we all do so much its amazing how it all gels together really.

Q. How has being a volunteer affected your life both from a volunteer and personal perspective and what does being a Volunteer mean to you?
To be honest, I get so much out of being a Samaritan, that it has had an amazing effect on my life, It keeps me grounded, reminds me of how lucky I am, It allows me to help, really help, and from that I get a sense of well-being that I do not think I could find elsewhere.

On a purely personal note it has also introduced me into the most wonderful group of people I could ever hope to know.

Q. Can you tell us about your role as a deputy director?
It sounds really grand, but in all honesty I am one of 5 deputy directors, all with specific roles, and we have a Director who somehow manages to keep us all on track, as well as do so much herself.

My role is Outreach, primarily making other services and their users aware of whom we are and what we do, but it is not just me, I am supported by a great team.

We have had some amazing results, I know of people who have called us, when they are at a real low, and if it was not for recent contact from one of the outreach team, they would not have thought to contact us.

Q. What next for Outreach?
Actually for the moment, more of the same, contacting other agencies, providing support to anyone who needs it, this website is part of that.

Q. Last Thoughts?
Just really a note to anyone who has taken the time to read this, we are always here. At some point in most people’s lives they need someone impartial to talk through thoughts and feelings.

If at the moment you are fortunate enough not to need Samaritans, remember that Volunteers get an awful lot out of being Samaritans and we are always looking for ordinary, down to earth people who care, to help us with our work.

Our thanks go to Bill for this brief insight into their reasons for becoming and remaining a volunteer with Samaritans, and to our reporter for conducting the interview and preparing this article. Next quarter the spotlight will fall on one of our newer volunteers.

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 Coordinator 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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