Main aim of the charity

The charity has been established for over 65 years of being there for anyone who needs someone. Samaritans vision is is that fewer people die by suicide.We make sure there’s someone there for anyone who needs someone. Every year, we answer more than 5 million calls for help via our unique 24-hour listening service, email, letter, face to face and through our Welsh language service. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. We want to encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can protect and even save lives. Our Values We have five core values. They're supported by these behaviours, which we share within the Samaritans organisation: support, trust, aspirational and respect. Listening Exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them. Confidentiality If people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings. Non-judgemental We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection. People making their own decisions wherever possible People making their own decisions We believe that people have the right to find their own solution and that telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them. Human contact Giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair.

How the employee got involved and why

19 years ago my whole world shattered and was turned into utter chaos and emotional turmoil. I suddenly lost my beloved mum, it was shock, I just couldnt cope anymore. The grief was overwhelming, these feelings of despair, and sucidal thoughts were consuming my mind. I had to do something as my little girl aged 3 needed her mum. I got some much needed help , had a fantatstic counsellor and over time I learnt how to cope and accept what had happened. Memories are great they bring you so much comfort, surrounding myself with the love from my husband and my daughter. I decided I wanted to give back and be there for people who were struggling emotionally. After some thought and research I decided to sign up to train as a listening volunteer for Hillingdons Samaritans 9 years ago. Thi charity is so close to my heart , the importance of being there for someone in thier darkest hour of need at anytime of the day is so crucial. I help support fundraising for the branch , I get it involved by helping with selling raffle tickets, running coffee mornings, cake sales, christmas wrapping , rattling the tins, 'Brew Monday' - have a cup tea , a cake slice & donate online etc... Fundraising is so integaral to keep the branch running without this we would not be able to function & provide our important service to our callers. As they say every little bit goes a long way...

What work does the employee do for charity?

I support & devote a lot of my spare time to the Hillingdons Samaritans branch in many ways. I help keep the branch running on a weekly basis by ensuring the shifts are covered tobe able to provide a vital service to our callers. I am involved in training new volunteers and mentoring on a one to one basis. I manage the training team & organise the training schedule as well the materials. I am also responsible for the welfare & wellbeing of all of our volunteers ; the team and I have regular contact with them all even more so now. I have a great teamwork ethic and work closely with all volunteers to keep our branch open and running to provide this unigue vital service.