If you have been considering becoming a volunteer for a local charity, there’s no better time to find out more; Samaritans Isle of Man is inviting people to its first information session of 2016, held at Keyll Darree, Nobles Hospital on Tuesday 26th January.

The information session, which starts at 7pm, will provide greater insight into what volunteering with Samaritans involves, giving those interested an opportunity to speak to current Samaritans volunteers and to ask any questions.

Samaritans relies on volunteers to maintain its essential services. While ‘Listening Sams’ – volunteers that respond when people in need get in touch – are central to the services offered, the charity is keen to let people know that other vital roles also need to be filled.

Tracey Fuller, Director of Samaritans Isle of Man, said: ‘Samaritans requires volunteers to answer phone calls, texts and emails 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There are also a variety of administrative duties that volunteers can help us with, and we are always looking for people to assist with our community programmes, promotional activities and fundraising events.'

She added: ‘Volunteering with Samaritans is open to anybody over the age of 18, regardless of work status. There is no specific “experience” needed to become a Samaritans volunteer, and we provide a fantastic training programme to ensure volunteers are equipped with the skills they need to fulfil their role.

‘We would be delighted for people to come along to our information session so we can answer any questions that they may have about volunteering with Samaritans.’

Samaritans regularly reaches out to the local community by visiting schools and workplaces, and its volunteers go into the prison on a weekly basis. The charity also holds a ‘Listening to Others’ half-day course at the Isle of Man College.

Tracey said: ‘Our volunteers also find that the work they do with Samaritans brings many benefits for their own lives. As well being an impressive experience to have on your CV if you are looking for work, volunteering can help you to discover skills you didn’t know you had, and offers a great opportunity to make friends with like-minded members of the local community.’

To find out more about volunteering with Samaritans Isle of Man, come along to the information session at Keyll Darree Education & Training Centre, Nobles Hospital at 7pm on Tuesday 26th January. For more information, please email samaritans@manx.net.