Gareth Matthews, a Samaritans volunteer of eight years, returned to education and graduated from Ayrshire College, receiving the ‘Making a Difference in the Community Award’.
The ‘Making a Difference in the Community Award’ at Ayrshire College is given each year to celebrate students that have gone above and beyond throughout their studies, demonstrating outstanding commitment, achievement, resilience, and dedication in their studies as well as in their wider academic life.
As a Samaritans volunteer of eight years with a passion for supporting others, Gareth made the decision to return to education and change his career completely, graduating with an HNC in Next Gen Social Services, and picking up the additional accolade.
As a self-employed computer repairer, Gareth found that the skills he developed through volunteering with Samaritans were fundamental in a new setting and learning environment.
Gareth said, “My award was focused on my choice to change career from my technical role to a role that made a difference to people in the community of Ayrshire – inspired by my roles at Samaritans.
“My work repairing computers was quite solitary. Except for site visits to customer’s homes, I worked on my own repairing computers and mobile devices at home. My Samaritans experience has really prepared me for this next chapter in my working life.
As part of the course, we learned a lot about what person-centred means in theory and practice. Some of this mirrored the active listening aspect of the support we provide on the phones at Samaritans. Having supported thousands of people in this way over the years as a volunteer, it felt like a really natural way for me to support service users whilst I was on placement as part of my course, at Ucan in Kilmarnock.
“Regardless of the situation, circumstances, or background, I found that people genuinely want to feel listened to and understood. When barriers to communication are broken down, this can work in any situation, with any individual.”
Ucan Enterprises, a Kilmarnock-based education centre for young adults with additional support needs, provided a placement opportunity for Gareth as part of his studies, with one particular project having a lasting impact. The project involved supporting a service user who wanted to raise funds for a mental health charity, giving them the tools to help them come up with an idea and then bring it to life.
Reflecting on the project, Gareth said, ‘We worked together on building out his idea and making it happen. He raised £600 by walking 10 laps of the pitch at Ayr United’s Somerset Park. I met him recently and he said he has the certificate up on his bedroom wall – I cannot overstate how proud I am of him.”
Nominated by his lecturer, Gareth’s experience as a Samaritans volunteer shone through in his work and enabled him to provide the support, empathy, and leadership needed to excel in his studies and in his practical placement.
Gareth’s lecturer at Ayrshire College said: “Gareth Matthews is a mature student who has made an exceptional contribution to the next Gen HNC Social Services course through academic excellence, professional practice, and outstanding peer support.
Gareth’s voluntary work with Samaritans strengthens the caring culture of the course and reflects the highest standards of professionalism and compassion expected within the sector. He exemplifies lifelong learning, resilience, and commitment, inspiring both peers and staff.
“He consistently exceeded expectations and fully embodied the values of Health & Social Care. As a mature student, he brought experience, empathy, and leadership that enriched the learning environment for everyone.”
Neil Mathers, Executive Director at Samaritans Scotland, said: “Everyone at Samaritans Scotland is extremely proud of Gareth. We know our volunteers are incredible at what they do by supporting people in crisis, but it is fantastic to see this being used to make a positive difference in the wider community, and the recognition that goes alongside it.”