Thank you to Daniel Blank for profiling a few of our Samaritans of Farnborough & District Volunteers on InYourArea, Farnborough News, Aldershot News and News & Mail!
Name: Terry Clarke
Organisation: Farnborough & District Samaritans
Occupation: Solution architect (IT stuff)
Town/village: Fleet, Hampshire
Fun fact about yourself: Was once a part-time wedding photographer - the hardest job I’ve ever done.
When and why did you start volunteering for Farnborough & District Samaritans?
Started in 2009. Was staring into space at work in Woking one day and had the ‘my life is blessed, I want to give something back, now is the time’ moment and somehow, without really understand what being a listening volunteer entailed, I ended up at an information session and the rest is history.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a Farnborough & District Samaritans volunteer?
This is undoubtedly the sense that on a regular basis, the work we do genuinely touches lives, genuinely makes a difference, helps people on the way towards being able to live not just exist. Not every time, not every day, but often enough to never want to walk away from helping the people we help.
Why should others in the community volunteer for organisations like Farnborough & District Samaritans?
Talking about just the most rewarding aspect of being a Samaritan barely scratches the surface of what it means to volunteer.
I’ve learnt so much about myself over the last 11 years, learnt to see the world differently, to appreciate what I have, to not sweat the small stuff and to understand empathy, and what you do with it, can be the most powerful force for good.
I’ve got to know and spend time with some absolutely wonderful people within the branch. I cannot think of a better use of my spare time.
If you are going through a tough time and need to talk to someone, Samaritans volunteers are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
Click here for details about outreach and volunteering.