Samaritans Craigavon volunteer speaks of ‘immense honour’ at being there for people at a low point in their lives
A woman who has been volunteering with Samaritans for an incredible 48 years has revealed how she initially offered her help to the charity purely on impulse.
Since then, however, Margaret has never looked back nor has she regretted her decision to get involved.
“There’s much to be said for impulse,” she said. “Being a Samaritans volunteer is a privilege. To be entrusted with the pain, the struggle, the desperation of people who choose to share their thoughts and feelings with you when they are at a low point – possibly the lowest point – in their lives is an immense honour. And that sense of privilege has only become stronger over the years,” she added.
Margaret – a volunteer at Samaritans Craigavon branch – is sharing her experience as the charity, which is dedicated to providing emotional support to those in need, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week. Held annually at the start of June, this special week is a time to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the United Kingdom.
As a charity, it’s the public’s kind donations to support Samaritans along with its army of more than 20,000 volunteers that mean help is always there for anyone struggling to cope.
Margaret’s dedicated and unwavering commitment as a volunteer and compassionate nature has undoubtedly touched countless lives throughout the past 48 years.
She explained how her journey with Samaritans began back in 1976 when she felt a calling to support those experiencing emotional distress, although she felt she wasn’t really suitable to take on the challenge.
"In 1976, Samaritans didn’t have the public profile it has now and I knew very little about the organisation except that it dealt with people who were suicidal,” she said.
"One thing I did believe was that I’d be utterly useless if someone feeling despairing and desperate were to turn to me for help. I had neither the temperament nor the skills to provide any sort of support,” she admitted.
Although she harbored worries about her ability to assist those in need, Margaret acted on her instincts that she wanted to show concern for others – and hasn’t looked back.
She also realised that being a volunteer for Samaritans was far more than what she had originally thought it would be.
"The majority of our calls are not from people who are suicidal, but they are, to a greater or lesser extent, struggling. Struggling with loss and loneliness, with bereavement and broken relationships, with mental illness and physical pain, above all, with the challenges that life throws at them in the course of a day, a month, or a lifetime.
"Hearing someone thank you at the end of a conversation when they have poured out their feelings and found some release and relief in being listened to, as you have listened, with empathy and warmth, that’s a humbling and profoundly rewarding experience,” she said.
Margaret has found that Samaritans training sessions, late-night shifts, and heartfelt conversations have helped to form lifelong friendships grounded in compassion and resilience. She said the camaraderie among Samaritans volunteers transcends mere companionship; it’s a deep-rooted connection built on trust, understanding, and a mutual desire to make a difference.
"The camaraderie with other volunteers; the opportunity to take part in activities such as outreach, training, fundraising and so on; the forming of new friendships; the bond you feel with volunteers from Samaritans branches throughout the UK and Ireland when we meet up from time to time and, of course, the fun of celebrating special occasions in our local branch,” she said.
When asked what she would say to someone considering joining Samaritans, Margaret admitted: “I truly thought volunteering with Samaritans wasn’t for me.
"But thorough training, kind mentoring, supportive fellow volunteers and that magic ingredient, time, I have never regretted taking the chance and am so glad that signed up. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go. You’ll soon discover if it’s not for you…but prepare to be surprised!”
Last year Samaritans 600 volunteers across its eight branches in Northern Ireland, answered more than 300 calls and emails every day, equating to more than 30,000 hours of support. With calls answered every four-and-a-half minutes, mental health, family, loneliness, isolation and relationship problems were the most common concerns callers cited.
Supporting people in Ireland since 1961, Samaritans volunteers have had millions of potentially life-saving conversations with callers through its freephone phone helpline, by email and face-to-face support and through outreach in communities, schools, festivals and prisons.
As the charity celebrates the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week, it is acknowledging the collective efforts of all its volunteers, both past and present. It says their dedication, compassion, and selflessness have been instrumental in providing a lifeline to all those in distress.
"We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our volunteers,” said Marcella Taylor, regional director for the charity in Northern Ireland.
"Margaret exemplifies the spirit of Volunteers Week – a commitment to helping others and making a meaningful impact. Her story inspire us all to continue our mission of offering a safe space for anyone in need.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone by calling 116 123, even when using a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
To find out how you can support Samaritans or volunteer go to www.samaritans.org