Become a Samaritan!

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Samaritans is urging local people making their New Year's resolutions for 2024, and who are looking to do more to help others , to consider becoming a Samaritans volunteer.

The charity, whose mission is that fewer people die from suicide, is seeking new people to join its friendly team of volunteers based in Slough.

Samaritans are there for people who are struggling to cope and who would like to talk things through with somebody, who'll listen carefully in a non-judgmental way. The charity is looking for people who are excellent listeners, who will undertake thorough training to help prepare them to speak with callers in the best way.

"Many people have heard of Samaritans and know of the good work we do," says Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Branch Director, Sue Yerburgh. "But it may not be forefront of mind to consider joining the Samaritans team."

"Once trained, there is not a big time commitment - we ask that volunteers complete one shift of around four hours per week at our centre in Slough. You will be taught to actively listen with empathy in a non-judgmental way, to callers with a wide range of issues, whilst being fully supported by our wonderful team at Slough.

"We are a close knit community of volunteers, and welcome interest from people of all ages and backgrounds. If you're making New Year's resolutions, please consider making one of them to train to be a Samaritan."

Those who are interested in finding out more about volunteering at Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Samaritans should visit www.samaritans.org/slough

Samaritans are there for people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and across the UK handle thousands of calls over the Christmas and New Year period. You don't have to be suicidal to get in touch, and all contact is completely confidential. Either call 116 123 - it's free and won't show up on your bill - or email [email protected]