The first of a new feature for the Great Yarmouth Samaritan website - we find out a bit more about one of our fantastic volunteers
We sat down with Phil to find out more about his experiences of being a volunteer, why he joined our branch and his interests outside of the Samaritans.
How long have you been a Samaritan and what is your role within the branch?
I've been a Samaritan since 2014, but only recently relocated to Norfolk and joined the Great Yarmouth Branch. I'm a Deputy Director and Leader. My responsibilities include managing the Twitter account, branch website and maintaining the branch online presence. As a Leader, I'm on hand during shifts to support volunteers all the while they are on duty and after shifts.
Why did you become a Samaritan?
I have always volunteered, when living in London I became a volunteer working with the homeless charity Shelter. When I moved out of London and began looking for volunteering opportunities I saw that the Samaritans were looking for people. I wanted to make a difference to people when they needed it - being on the other end of a phone line at that precise moment means you can make a difference instantly.
I wanted to make a difference to people when they needed it.
Phil, Listening Volunteer at Great Yarmouth Samaritans
Tell us something about your life outside the Samaritans, what do you like to do?
I'm an English teacher in a comprehensive school in Norfolk so that takes up a lot of my time: marking, marking and marking! I love to run, anything from 5km to 100km, I'm a regular at Parkrun, and I can often be found running around my village. Another interest is music, I like going to gigs and listening to all sorts of music, especially the likes of Billy Bragg, Frank Turner and Bob Dylan.
What is your 'happy place'? It can be a place, view, activity, or anything that makes you happy.
There is nothing better than sitting in the garden with a book, maybe even with a lovely cold pint of Guinness. Perfect.