Hart and Rushmoor volunteer profile: Hester Wain
"It is always amazing to start with a tearful hesitant caller who after 30 minutes is laughing and more confident - it makes my day."
Our volunteer profiles continue as we highlight the volunteers for Hart District and Rushmoor organisations who give up their time to help others across the region.
Name: Hester Wain
Organisation: Samaritans of Farnborough & District
Town/village: Fleet, Hampshire
Fun fact about yourself: I am learning to play the bagpipe and I am undertaking my second Samarathon this year.
When and why did you start volunteering for Samaritans of Farnborough & District?
September 2018. I was looking for something fulfilling that would not involve manual handling as I have two slipped discs. I wanted a volunteering role that would enable me to support people.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a Samaritans of Farnborough & District volunteer?
Working with like-minded, non-judgemental volunteers who have dignity, respect, empathy and confidentiality at the heart of what they do.
Being able, through listening, to help a caller to reach a better place; it is always amazing to start with a tearful hesitant caller who after 30 minutes is laughing and more confident - it makes my day.
Why should others in the community volunteer for organisations like Samaritans of Farnborough & District?
You get to give something back to the community you live in and you only have to commit a small amount of time each week that you can arrange around your life.
We listen to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and I learn so much from their lived experiences.
If you are going through a tough time and need to talk to someone, Samaritans volunteers are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Click here for details about outreach and volunteering.
