For this month's 'Spotlight on a Volunteer' of Great Yarmouth Samaritans we say hello to Amber
We sat down with Amber, one of our fantastic listeners, to find out more about her experiences of being a volunteer, why she became a Samaritan, and her interests outside of the Samaritans.
How long have you been a Samaritan and what is your role within the branch?
I am a Listener and I started my training with Samaritans in March 2022.
Why did you become a Samaritan?
Many reasons really, I have always felt the calling to help people but there is no greater feeling of helping someone knowing you are volunteering to do it with no expectation of anything in return. Also, I lost my mum in 2021 and although friends and family were a great support I just wanted to talk to someone who would just listen, not try and advise me about how to get over losing her or compare my loss to anything similar that had happened in their lives. That's when I came across the Samaritans and saw they were advertising for volunteers.
I just wanted to talk to someone who would just listen
Amber, Great Yarmouth Samaritans
Tell us about your life outside the Samaritans, what do you like to do?
Outside of the Samaritans: Professionally - I work for a wonderful Charity that uses the power of sport to support and inspire its community. Its charitable objectives are driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations. Personally - I love spending time with my family and friends so I try to squeeze as much of that in as I possibly can.
What is your ‘happy place’? It can be a place, view, activity, or anything that makes you happy.
I have many happy places - being with my family and friends, listening to my favourite songs, killing time on TikTok and sitting watching the world go by down the beach on my mum's memorial bench.
