Nominated by: Tarnia Snepp
THE volunteers behind Samaritans of Jersey have been nominated for Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year, for “selflessly” spending 3,260 hours on the phones per year providing a confidential and non-judgmental service.
Nominator Tarnia Snepp praised them for taking calls from the Samaritans Branch day, evening and night, offering support in a time of distress or crisis for Islanders.
Samaritans of Jersey, which Ms Snepp said is “punching above its weight for a small branch”, not only listens on the phones, but also recruits, interviews, trains and mentors all potential volunteers and raises awareness of the service.
There is also a dedicated team which trains and debriefs inmates of HMP La Moye. The volunteers support the Island Mental Health partnership and the Government Suicide Prevention strategy.
“Some volunteers have even trained and formed an Emergency Response Team, ready to attend any situation deemed necessary by the Island Emergency Team, and support Islanders in times of need,” Ms Snepp said.
