Halifax Samaritans' branch to recognise volunteers

Volunteers’ Week runs from June 1-12 and the Halifax branch are using the period to say a ‘thank you’ to their volunteers.

Jill, 53, is one of those who gives up her time and says the Samaritans play an important role.

She said: “Knowing you’ve made a difference to someone’s life is all the reward any of us needs.

“Just being there to listen, in confidence, to someone going through a tough time in their lives can be really helpful to that person.

“It could be family, work, money or relationship issues, or perhaps they’ve lost a loved one.

“Whatever they are dealing with, we listen and give people the courage to open up about what’s happening in their life and support them to get through.”

Every six seconds someone contacts Samaritans across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with more than 20,000 volunteers contributing over five million hours of their time a year.

Joyce Catterick, the new director of the Halifax branch of Samaritans, says they are indebted to their bank of volunteers for their tireless work all year round.

She said: “Life can be tough for anyone, and everyone deals with challenges in different ways.

“As Samaritans volunteers, we don’t judge, we’re here for absolutely anyone, and we want people to talk to us before they feel overwhelmed.

“I’d like to thank each and every one of our dedicated volunteers – the work they do is priceless.

“If you’re open-minded and feel that the moment is right in your life to give some time to others, why not think about volunteering with us?”

If you are interested in volunteering for Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.org.

Anyone can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day.

Calls are free from any phone on 116 123.