I thought my heart would burst when I saw this message earlier!
When I started posting about my life as a #Samaritans volunteer, it was mostly to raise awareness about #suicide and #mentalhealth.
The pandemic has caused so much suffering.
So many lives lost.
Along with the “collateral damage” around jobs, health, and safety.
Lockdown has cut us off from the vital social contact needed to feel connected, safe and that we matter.
And so I write to encourage people to look out for each other, take note if someone looks like they are struggling and lend an ear.
NHS services are stretched as are all the charities supporting those who fall through the gaps.
Like Samaritans.
To hear that someone’s taken that first step to becoming a volunteer is such an amazing feeling.
If you are doing OK, and coping with life and you feel that you are able to help others by becoming and Samaritans listening volunteer, please enquire at your nearest branch.
I can promise you that it will make you experience the whole spectrum of human emotions, and it will be challenging but so deeply rewarding.
I’ve had some difficult calls too, many that stayed with me through the years. But I’ve got such beautiful people supporting me at my branch, which is why I come back and do this week after week for almost 12 years.
There has also been incredibly heart warming calls, when I’ve touched another soul, and experienced deep human connection in a way that can only happen when hearts are open, and there is no judgement to bear.
Make a difference.
Become a volunteer.
Be a friend.
#BeKind.
No one has to go through tough times alone. 🌹
