Celebrating David's 22 Years as a Brierley Hill Samaritan Volunteer

During the 22 years David has never been just a Listening Volunteer as he has been actively engaged in many other aspects of branch life including training, mentoring, outreach, fundraising, caller support, prisons and was Chair of the Management Committee.

David's words and thoughts:

"Samaritans has been an important part of my life for a long time. I would like to think that I have helped some of the people who have contacted us at a time of crisis, and I encouraged others to make contact if they find themselves in a dark place at a future date".

"The experience of being a volunteer has also been of great benefit to me personally. The listening skills I have learnt and developed have carried over to other aspects of my life, as has my knowledge of how other people live their lives and the problems they face. Patience and being non-judgemental can probably be added".

"I have also been privileged to meet many wonderful fellow volunteers, past and present, some of whom have become good friends. I hope and intend to keep in touch with Brierley Hill Samaritans, its work and volunteers in the future".

David was instrumental and the driving force behind us creating a new cohort of volunteers at Brierley Hill Samaritans, our Honorary Volunteers. Volunteers who had served the branch for many years, most in a variety of roles and like David has now done, hung up the phone and retired.

David WILL be missed and on behalf of ALL volunteers past and present, we say a heartfelt THANK YOU not only for the support, encouragement and guidance a significant number of volunteers would have directly or indirectly received from him over the past 22 years, but also recognising that the majority of the individuals he has supported during his time as a Listening Volunteer would say the same.