Sadly our call volumes are, once again, on the rise. May 2022 has seen a quite significant rise in calls; our busiest month since July 2021. Our dedicated team of listeners are working very hard to continue to provide their time to ensure that this invaluable service endures and our dedicated shop volunteers continue to provide their time to allow the organisation to function. We couldn’t do it without you all. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.
We have recently appointed David Upjohn as our new Trustee responsible for Listener Training, so hopefully we can start to get some of the volunteers through the initial training and into the listener system with mentors. This will hopefully ease the stress on our current pool of listeners.
The message below is from one of our very experienced listeners. I felt it important to share with you all. This was after one particularly emotional call they received:
I have never felt so emotional listening for Samaritans as I did this morning. Of all the calls I have listened to over the years, this one got to me. I am sure you will understand. What sounded like a young man rang, crying, saying he was ringing from hospital. His voice was shaky, but his words were wonderful: “I am ringing to thank the Samaritans for saving my life! Thank you! If it wasn’t for you, the Samaritans, I would not be here. Thank you.” He was full of emotion. I asked how he was. He said “I will be alright thank you. Please thank the Samaritans.” I said I would make sure everyone is thanked.
It was only a short phone call, but suddenly I couldn’t stop crying. The emotion was immense! The words, the sound of his voice and the determination to thank US, the Samaritans. My tears tumbled down, but I understood why, in that moment, we listen and why we do this. I had to let my backup know I needed a 30 minute break; the first time I have ever done that, but I was too emotional to do the best I could. This is why we are Samaritans. I could not have been prouder of each and every one of us.
Shop Volunteers Wanted
Do you live in Spain?
Do you have a few hours to spare regularly each week?
We are looking for shop volunteers to assist with the sorting and pricing of items donated. The shop hours currently are Monday to Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. The shifts are Monday to Friday 10am-12.30pm and 12.30pm-3pm and Saturday 10am-2pm
If you are interested, please either call into the shop at Punta Marina Commercial Centre for an application form, or email dropin.samspain@gmail.com for an application form.
If you think off-loading would help you, or if you know someone who needs to offload, Samaritans in Spain lines are manned from 10am-10pm every day of the year and our fully trained listeners are available if you need to talk. We are here for you and together we are stronger.
Call FREEPHONE 900 525 100
Are you able to help Samaritans in Spain to help others?
Donations can be made via Paypal paypal@samaritansinspain.com
Businesses can sponsor Samaritans in Spain by contacting treasurer.spainsams@gmail.com or pat@samaritansinspain.com
