The newly appointed Director of Samaritans Isle of Man, Gill Porter, has paid tribute to her employer for its support of the charity.

Gill, who is Senior Manager of the Customer Services Team at Capital International, said the business has committed to giving her time during working hours to volunteer with the Samaritans.

She started as an active listener with the charity in 2013 and in March was appointed Director for the local branch. During that time, Capital International Group enabled her to volunteer during working hours as part of its contribution to supporting the Island community.

Gill said: ‘Samaritans can only operate with the support of a team of volunteers who can answer calls, texts and emails, as well as carrying out other roles, whenever they are required. The charity needs to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it can be a challenge to find people free to help during working hours.

‘That is when the support of employers like Capital International becomes so important. By encouraging staff to contribute to community initiatives during working hours, they are ensuring vital services, like those of the Samaritans, are available.

‘My employer has been fully supportive of the Samaritans and, during my years of involvement, I know they are not alone as a company. On behalf of Samaritans IOM, I’d like to thank Capital International Group and all those businesses which support staff who volunteer with Samaritans, and would encourage more companies to get involved.’

Volunteers come from all walks of life and do not need to have any experience as training is given. There are a variety of volunteering roles, and it doesn’t require a huge time commitment.

Gill continued: ‘I know from personal experience that volunteering with the Samaritans brings massive personal benefits, but also experience that can be applied to professional life.

‘Volunteers are given extensive training, including listening skills, and also develop their ability to work as part of a team, offer support to colleagues and develop empathy with people from all manner of backgrounds and situations. From an employer’s point of view, enabling staff to enhance these skills will help them develop as professionals, which can only be good for any business.

‘In addition, there are many very generous firms in the Isle of Man who want to contribute to our community. Giving staff the time to volunteer for Samaritans makes a major contribution to our society, as well as an investment in the personal development of the employee.’

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Samaritans, contact Samaritans@manx.net.  

Photo - left to right - Gill Porter (Director of Samaritans Isle of Man) and Kirsten Gorry, (Chief Operating Officer, Capital International)