Great Yarmouth Samaritans share their volunteering pride

That is one of the reasons volunteers at the Great Yarmouth branch of Samaritans joined the service.

More than 6,000 people in the UK and the Republic of Ireland take their own lives each year, and it is reported that tens of thousands of people attempt suicide.

But, with timely, evidence-based interventions, suicides are preventable.

Two Samaritan listening volunteers on the phone. (Image: Samaritans)

Samaritans dedicate hours of their time to listening to people who find themselves in distress.

And now, volunteers from the crisis charity's branch in Great Yarmouth have shared their reasons for joining the service.

One volunteer said: "After I lost my mum during the lockdown, I found grieving very difficult. I didn’t feel I needed professional help - just someone to talk to without any judgement, advice or familiarity.

"After a bit of research I stumbled across the Samaritans and, although I didn’t use the service, it was comforting just knowing it was there.

"I then saw an advert saying they needed volunteers and looked further into that side of things.

"I had the interview, completed the training programme and am now answering calls with my mentor.

"Every shift I leave proud to have contributed to this amazing service."

Samaritans is a free service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (Image: Samaritans)

Another listening volunteer, who has been with the charity for about 17 years, said the Samaritans had become a very important part of her life.

"Great Yarmouth Sams has become my second family," she added.

"Each shift is different, but it is always a privilege to be there to listen to our callers when they are going through the toughest of times."

Another volunteer, who has been with the service for 32 years, said he joined Samaritans after speaking to a friend who was considering suicide.

"I spent half the night with my friend and, in the end, he was reasonably alright," explained the volunteer, who joined the Yarmouth branch after moving to Norfolk 16 years ago.

"I didn't do anything except listen to him. I felt I had achieved a little something, and understood what Samaritans was about."

Got time to listen?

Great Yarmouth Samaritans will be hosting an information event at their branch at 62 North Quay, Great Yarmouth, from 7.30pm on Monday, January 16.

The event is aimed at anyone interested in finding out more about the charity and the various volunteering opportunities and training they provide.

Jude Richardson (right) became branch director of Great Yarmouth Samaritans in March. (Image: Great Yarmouth Samaritans)

Branch director Jude Richardson said: "There is no pressure to sign up.

"We would just like to inform people a little bit more about what we do in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

"If people feel more comfortable bringing a friend or a family member, they are more than welcome to do so."

For more information, email GreatYarmouth.Director@samaritans.org

When life gets difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call the charity free of charge on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.