The local branch of Samaritans, based on Crosby Road, Northallerton, has just appointed Julian Hooker as their new branch director.
The local branch of Samaritans, based on Crosby Road, Northallerton, has just appointed Julian Hooker as their new branch director. Julian, who lives in Topcliffe has volunteered with the Northallerton and the Dales branch for nearly 5 years prior to being selected by the branch volunteers to lead the branch for a three-year tenure.
The Northallerton Samaritans Branch is manned wholly by volunteers living in Northallerton and the surrounding areas and aims to man phones on three- and four-hour shifts through the evening and nightt-ime hours, offering emotional support to callers who need someone to listen to them when many other support services are closed.
Speaking about his new appointment Julian said “I am honoured to be asked to lead the Northallerton Branch which last year celebrated its 60th anniversary. I feel passionate about what we do both in branch as well as an organization. We support those in need, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and although there are many reasons why callers need our support, it’s important to realise you do not need to be feeling suicidal to call us. We are there for anyone struggling, finding it difficult to cope and callers can reach us free on 116 123 or email [email protected]. We never judge and we don’t give advice but what we do is listen to whatever is on the caller’s mind. Being able to safely offload and talk through issues or concerns can make a huge difference to the caller. Leading my branch of 50 dedicated volunteers to offer this lifesaving service is a real privilege.”
He added “My priorities for the branch are to recruit more volunteers so we can provide even better evening and night-time support from our small Northallerton branch. I am also very keen to partner with local businesses who may be able to fund raise on our behalf as the branch and all the work we do here is wholly funded by local donations. Your business or organization may hold a dinner dance for example and choose to donate to Samaritans, or some of your staff members may wish to do sponsored walks. We would always be delighted to come to you and give a short presentation on what we do”.
Julian added “The national vision for Samaritans is that fewer people die by suicide and we would welcome support from as many local people as possible to help us work towards making this a reality”.
If you are interested in volunteering with Samaritans, you will be given full training and comprehensive ongoing support. You do not need to answer the phone to volunteer with us as you can also be a Support Volunteer as well as a Listening Volunteer. Please contact Julian directly using the email address below.
Local businesses who would like to explore how they can support the Northallerton branch should in the first instance email the Branch Director, Julian Hooker on [email protected]