HAVERFORDWEST& PEMBROKESHIRE SAMARITANS NEED YOU! BRANCH LAUNCHES MAJOR RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire Samaritans have launched a new recruitment drive for New Year 2018. The branch, which is based on Albert Street, is on the look-out for new volunteers to help run the incredible Samaritans service.

Samaritans is a volunteer led organisation. Samaritans branches across Wales manage the emotional support service, reach out into their local communities and support those who are struggling to cope round the clock, every day of the year.

The demand for the service is ever increasing – last year, Samaritans in Wales took a call every three minutes. Across the whole organisation, Samaritans responds to more than 5.7 million calls for help every year. None of this would be possible without the time and dedication of volunteers.

The recruitment drive will be popping up across Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire throughout January, from your nearest Kwik Fit to your local bus stop. Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire Samaritans are hoping to increase awareness of the local branch and inspire people to do something new this January. They are also hoping to recruit new Welsh-speaking volunteers to help run the Welsh language helpline.

Asides from the crucial listening service, volunteers are needed to help with other roles such as marketing, outreach and fundraising. Joanna Emerson, Regional Director for Wales and the Marches, hopes the campaign will highlight the scope of work branches do –

“Whether it’s responding to calls or emails, organising local fundraising events or helping with our schools and prison work, there is something to suit every volunteer at Samaritans. Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshirebranch needs your help to support your local community and we hope this campaign inspires people to get involved this January. Volunteering has so many benefits, it changes lives every day – not to mention your own!”

Samaritans Cymru are keen to emphasise the wide range of benefits which volunteering can bring. Helping others, improving your CV, learning new skills, making new friends and increasing your own personal wellbeing are just some of the benefits of volunteering.

A volunteer from Samaritans in Wales said –

“I have met some amazing people at Samaritans. I had no idea volunteering would be so rewarding in so many different ways. I feel like I’m really making a difference to people’s lives but have been surprised at the way it has changed me as a person; I’m much more open than I was before”

To find out more about supporting your local area and volunteering with Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire, please get in touch on volunteering.wales@samaritans.org or on 02922 406305. You can also visit their website www.samaritans.org/volunteering