‘WE NEED VOLUNTEERS PREPARED TO GET INVOLVED’ Samaritans needed as charity moves home
A CHARITY has launched an urgent appeal for more volunteers to provide vital emotional support after officially opening its own building.
The Samaritans branch in Bangor has provided a bilingual service for north west Wales since 1985. Currently there are 70 listening volunteers manning the shifts at their Parc Menai office.
The branch moved to Parc Menai 11 years ago because their old office in Abbey Road did not provide facilities for the disabled.
Branch chairman Vernon Jones said: “It was with the dream we would one day be able to purchase our own premises in order to establish a permanent Samaritan base for our north west Wales community, as well as substantially reducing the annual revenue cost to operate such a service.
“By means of our own volun- tary efforts, donations and generous legacies we were able to purchase our premises at Parc Menai last May.”
Mr Jones said they would like to attract more volunteers, particularly younger people.
He said: “We are on the lookout for more volunteers who are prepared to get involved. We are looking at all age groups of people who are capable of listening. Obviously, confidentiality is totally essential. We offer initial as well as on-going training.
“We get calls from people from all walks of life.
“Most of the callers are desperate and hopefully we can stop them turning suicidal. It is all about listening and showing patience.”
In addition to phone calls the volunteers answer letters, emails and texts and also offer a face-to-face service.
Justine Walker from Felinheli has been volunteering with the Samaritans for seven years.
The 28-year-old said: “It’s an important role to do and it’s good for people to know you’re there when there’s no one else to talk to.
“A lot of the calls are emotional but there is lots of help from fellow Sams.”
Another volunteer, Islwyn Humphreys from Llangefni, added: “We are here to listen, just listen.”
Representatives of various public bodies and organisations, together with those who have supported Samaritans over the years, were at the official opening of the new office on March 17.
They included Anglesey AM Rhun ap Iorwerth AM and the chairs of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy Councils, along with mayors of nearby towns.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the branch at 01248 674984.