To encourage new volunteers

‘Can you help us find Sam?’ was the word on the street on Saturday 26 July when Putney Samaritans paced the length of Putney High Street encouraging people to think about volunteering to become a Samaritan.

Dressed in bright green t-shirts, Putney’s existing ‘Sams’ were on hand to talk with local people about the vitally important, and highly rewarding job, that Samaritans do. They also handed-out over 2,000 leaflets to potential volunteers – not forgetting over 500 bright green Samaritans balloons to passing children.

Putney is one of 202 Samaritan Branches in the UK and the Republic of Ireland that provide confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those that could lead to suicide. Like other branches, Putney is always looking for people to train as listening volunteers. You don't need formal qualifications or previous experience to become a ‘Sam’, but the ability to listen without passing judgement is essential. You must also be over 18.

There are some 17,600 trained volunteers throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland who come from all walks of life. Whilst the variety of people who become Samaritans will probably surprise you, ‘Sams’ are all people who:

are good listeners question gently, tactfully - without intruding encourage people to tell their own story in their own time and space refrain from offering advice and instead offer confidential emotional support always try to see other points of view can offer one 3-4½ hour shift each week – we’ve day, evening, night, weekday and weekend shifts at times to suit most people

‘By volunteering as a Samaritan you can make a real difference to others, and becoming a Samaritan can also be life-changing for our volunteers,’ says Chris Black, Putney’s Branch Director . ‘At Putney you’ll have opportunity to meet new people, built strong friendships, master new skills and learn more about yourself. Many volunteers feel that it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve done.’

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, Putney branch would love to hear from you. Call 020 8789 2743 or email recruitment@putneysamaritans.org.uk for more information.

Or come along to one of our next information meetings held at 14 Princeton Court, 53/55 Felsham Road, Putney, London, SW15 1AZ, just of the High Street, there’s no need to book a place in advance and refreshments are available 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Dates are:

• Monday 11 August 7.30pm
• Monday 22 September 7.30pm

At these meetings, which last a couple of hours, we’ll tell you more about what we do, introduce you to some of the 100 or so ‘Sams’ who volunteer at Putney and give you an opportunity to ask plenty of questions. If becoming a listening volunteer doesn’t appeal, we desperately need, and equally value, support volunteers who help with fundraising, administration or publicity as they prefer. So please get in touch if you’re keen to get involved in this way.

We never know when people might need Samaritans so we’re here 24:7 – why not spare your time to help?

 

September 12, 2008