SAMARITANS ISSUE URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Samaritans issue urgent call for volunteers
THE SAMARITANS in Omagh are urging local people to come forward and volunteer their services, in the wake of the August 15th atrocity.
The charity organisations has already began its Autumn recruiting service but says the need for volunteers is greater since the Omagh bombing, where so many people have bee left traumatised.
Anne, a spokeswoman, said the Samaritans are very aware of the need to be available to support those who have come to terms with what has happened in their lives.
"There is a great need for volunteers since we are available 24 hours a day."
She said a number of people have already contacted the Samaritans and expressed interest in becoming a volunteer.
But, said Ann, many more people are needed.
"You do not need any special qualifications to be a Samaritan volunteers but you do need special qualities. These fortunately are qualities which many people have and which this tragedy has brought to the fore.
"You need an interest in people, to be available to listen, to support those who need someone to talk to. You must need non-judgemental and respect confidentiality and be available three hours a week.
The Samaritans have a thorough training programme for new volunteers, explained Ann.
She has appealed to anyone who is interested to come to the Royal Arms on Wednesday September 9th at 8pm.
"Do come, there are many many people, who need your support to see them through the weeks ahead and to help them cope."
Ann added "The bomb, which ripped apart our community on August 15th, has left us saddened beyond words.
"However, the scale of the horror it produced has provoked an immense response from the whole community, throughout the island and indeed the wider world.
"There has been a great reaching out, a great desire to support others in their pain".
Omagh Samaritans has received messages of support from sister organisations in Ireland England, Scotland and Wales and from the wider Samaritan organisation, Befrienders International.
THE SAMARITANS in Omagh are urging local people to come forward and volunteer their services, in the wake of the August 15th atrocity.
The charity organisations has already began its Autumn recruiting service but says the need for volunteers is greater since the Omagh bombing, where so many people have bee left traumatised.
Anne, a spokeswoman, said the Samaritans are very aware of the need to be available to support those who have come to terms with what has happened in their lives.
"There is a great need for volunteers since we are available 24 hours a day."
She said a number of people have already contacted the Samaritans and expressed interest in becoming a volunteer.
But, said Ann, many more people are needed.
"You do not need any special qualifications to be a Samaritan volunteers but you do need special qualities. These fortunately are qualities which many people have and which this tragedy has brought to the fore.
"You need an interest in people, to be available to listen, to support those who need someone to talk to. You must need non-judgemental and respect confidentiality and be available three hours a week.
The Samaritans have a thorough training programme for new volunteers, explained Ann.
She has appealed to anyone who is interested to come to the Royal Arms on Wednesday September 9th at 8pm.
"Do come, there are many many people, who need your support to see them through the weeks ahead and to help them cope."
Ann added "The bomb, which ripped apart our community on August 15th, has left us saddened beyond words.
"However, the scale of the horror it produced has provoked an immense response from the whole community, throughout the island and indeed the wider world.
"There has been a great reaching out, a great desire to support others in their pain".
Omagh Samaritans has received messages of support from sister organisations in Ireland England, Scotland and Wales and from the wider Samaritan organisation, Befrienders International.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0276
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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