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Rasheed Ogunlaru, Co-Director of The Samaritans (Central London Branch) 2003-2005 talks about what it's like to be a part of The Samaritans
“For me being volunteering for has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It is a commitment that you make to yourself and a contribution to others. It is a space where I leave myself at the door for a few hours and am totally there for someone else. The benefits have poured into all areas of my life and have given me a deeper appreciation of life and compassion for others.”
In 1999 I was busy pursuing my career as a singer-songwriter. My focus was very much on me, me, me. So much so that at the time I described my music career as me “playing every role from Chief Executive and Creative Director through to Mail Man”. It was very consuming: sound, image, lyrics, promotion, shows and everything else…
It was ironic that this most self-absorbed time ended up being the time where making a contribution emerged for me.
A year or so earlier I had begun a part-time post as Communications Manager for a Charity – largely to finance my singing career. During a forgettable conversation at a forgettable conference, one of my colleagues mentioned that he had been a volunteer for the Samaritans. For some reason this stayed with me. I had heard vaguely of Samaritans. I knew that they were there for people going through very difficult times or feeling suicidal, but that’s about all I knew.
Anyway, one day I looked up a telephone number for The Samaritans Office, called up, and found out that they were having an ‘Information Hour’ for potential volunteers that week. I showed up and sat down with twenty or so other people whose faces I can’t remember but saw a video that I would never forget. The video was about suicide – the facts, myths and the impact of it. It highlighted the deep distress of many people who are isolated in our society and the role of Samaritans in being available to provide emotional support to anyone in distress or feeling suicidal.
After watching the video and finding out more about The Samaritans that evening I attended a Selection Day for new volunteers. This gave us a chance to find out more about Samaritans and get an insight into the issues and whether you’d be cut out to be a volunteer. The day was really rewarding and insightful.
I was then called back and invited to a set of preparation classes over eight or so weeks. These classes thoroughly prepared us for the often tough and challenging and role of supporting people passing through distress or feeling suicidal.
Being a Samaritan involves volunteering around 15 hours a month (in three shifts including one night shift). It is about being there and listening to people experiencing distress. We provide a space where people can express and explore their feelings. It is completely confidential. We do not advise people, judge them, nor tell them what to do. It’s not for everybody but it is the most extraordinary privilege to genuinely be there for someone else. There are 203 branches throughout the UK providing support 24 hours a day by telephone and email. Many Samaritans branches also provide support face-to-face. Samaritans also carry out a range of outreach including in schools, prisons and among the homeless.
What most drew me to The Samaritans is that they were not religious, not advice driven, and almost entirely run by volunteers. They seemed to provide a very special type of emotional support to some of the most isolated people in our society – all springing from the vision from one man, Chad Varagh.
Being a volunteer can be tough but is also enriching. There is also a great deal of support for volunteers many of whom make strong and lasting friendships through volunteering together.
Over the years I have gone on to be involved in many aspects of life at my branch including training and ongoing training. I was also very humbled when I was asked to become one of the Co-Directors of my branch (the first and largest in the UK). It was a particular pleasure to do this in 2003 the 50th anniversary of the movement.
But above all this, the most remarkable thing is being there on the end of the phone, email or face-to-face with someone in their hour of need.
To find out more about volunteering for Samaritans visit www.samartians.org
Rasheed Ogunlaru
Co-Director of Samaritans, Central London Branch (2003-2005)
