Herts and Essex (Ware) Branch is ‘Exemplary’, say Inspectors
Our branch has been described as ‘exemplary’ in an official charity inspection.
The 201 Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland are each independently visited by highly experienced quality mentors every three years.
After the inspection at our branch, assessors Stephen Hoddle and Maggie Mehta reported: “It is no exaggeration to say that this is an exemplary branch. This is a very strong branch, well run, with good teams covering all areas. A distinctive characteristic of the branch is the level of support for the leadership and work of the branch shown by the volunteers.”
They singled out our branch’s response to Covid-19, saying that dedicated volunteers have responded well to the constraints of the pandemic. Ware was quickly made Covid-safe and, despite at one time having a quarter of its volunteers self-isolating, it has stayed open all day and night all year.
Volunteers from the branch are also taking part in two initiatives to support workers on the Covid-19 front line. They are part of a scheme called Our Frontline, created by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It provides a listening ear 24/7 for NHS staff, carers, emergency services personnel and key workers, from shop staff to bus drivers, whose psychological well-being is coming under pressure. And they are contributing to a dedicated direct helpline for NHS staff.
Our branch’s outreach into the community, though currently restricted, was described as excellent by the assessors. And its ‘enthusiastic’ role as a national pathfinder for online chat, now being rolled out, was also praised.
The branch’s regional director, Mark Smith, responded by saying: “All the feedback I received from the process painted a picture of a branch that is focussed, well managed and happy. The quality mentors used the word ‘exemplary’, which is entirely justified.
“From my own experience this is a branch which demonstrably and consistently seeks to ensure that its volunteers are motivated and capable of providing the best service possible to our callers.”
Branch director Susannah Fenton said: “I’m immensely proud of our volunteers and the commitment they put in to supporting our callers and our community. The inspection result is a tribute to them and to our leadership team over the last three years.”