How the Samaritans help everyone in the community including small business owners
For our weekly 10-minute presentation last Wednesday, one of our more recent members told us about his voluntary work with the Samaritans.
David Smith is an Agricultural Economist but volunteers at the Eastbourne Branch of the Samaritans where he is also a trainer and mentor. The branch has around 100 volunteers, and there are over 200 branches in the UK with over 20,000 volunteers nationwide. This valuable national service handles over 10,000 calls per day, and offers an email service and personal face-to-face support in the Branch.
The Samaritans do not offer advice, their volunteers listen without judgement and help people to discuss their feelings and talk through their problems confidentially. The service is for anyone struggling with life or going through a tough time.
David is helping the Samaritans reach out to the business community and is raising awareness about the service. Talking and sharing a problem during a stressful time can often help small business owners.
In January Samaritans will be launching “Brew Monday” with cafes in Newhaven and Seaford. This is to encourage people to come and talk to each other.
The Samaritans has a national freephone number and can be called at any time of day or night on 116 123 or visit the website for more information.
If you would like to know more about volunteering for the Samaritans, please speak to David at one of our breakfast meetings or read more info online.
