Tracey has made an incredible impact during her term as Branch Director. A huge thank you goes out to Tracey for supporting all the volunteers during the pandemic and forever keeping spirits high.
We asked Tracey a few questions, allowing her to reflect on her role...
What have been the most challenging aspects?
Juggling my ‘paid job’, parent commitments including the never-ending mum taxi duties 😊 and the Director role. Of course, the pandemic brought many challenges for everyone both personally and as Samaritans! We had to rethink the ways we could keep our branch running, continue our important outreach work and fundraising - thank goodness I already had experience of Zoom! Keeping our volunteers safe was paramount, so PROUD of how they all pulled together and continued to support our callers in need throughout!
What have been the best bits?
Oh goodness so many to highlight! Receiving the list of qualities when I was voted in as Director, qualities the branch volunteers thought I possessed! So heart-warming, humbling and confidence boosting! Having involvement with lots of our volunteers gave me the opportunity to get to know them really well. Loved the challenges and variation of the role something new every day! Getting our branch involved in the Stockport College Community Partnership, we’ve been able to raise so much awareness amongst the young adults. Being the Director during our branch’s 40th year of listening! Organising and of course attending the wonderful 40th year celebration party –PROUD was an understatement! Seeing the Samaritans outreach signs on the Stockport Fire engines, nurturing our relationship with Stockport County FC – I also got to have my photo taken with the firemen and the football players! ☺️ Hearing myself interviewed on the radio talking about the charity that’s so dear to my heart! As you can tell I could go on and on....
How have you made a difference?
Gosh! Maybe you should ask our branch volunteers this question! We’ve grown the volunteer numbers and our shift rota enabling us to be there for more of our callers who are struggling. I’d like to think our amazing volunteers have felt valued, looked after and respected - for without them giving their precious time our callers in need have nowhere to go!
Eight words of advice to your successor.
Remember you are a volunteer too, keep smiling! 😊
When you retire as Director what are you going to do with your time?
If I had any sense I’d say absolutely nothing, just relax! But I’ve never been big on sense or relaxation, so probably look for my next development opportunity! Give a bit more time to my other volunteering role at OWLS (Ongoing Local Women’s Support) I’m a peer support worker for women who’ve suffered/are suffering domestic abuse and the continued effects that can have. I’d love to spend more time at my dad’s caravan right by the sea in North Wales. Take time to play my fast growing record collection and maybe even read a book or two! I’ve always fancied learning piano – no excuses now!