Join us for our 2015 Street Appeal on 14 & 15 August!
CONTACT us on 04 472 3676 or email marketing@samaritans.org.nz if you can collect for us in Wellington on the 14th or 15th of August.
News
Next Training Course for Wellington Samaritans 2015
Are you a good listener?
The Appeal goes on - you can TEXT 2014 to 2446 to donate $3
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously on 22 and 23 August!
We met and spoke to many people, some of whom also thanked us for being there when they needed someone to listen. Hearing those snippets makes it so worthwhile.
If you missed us, it is not too late! You can still TEXT 2014 to 2446 to donate $3 to the Samaritans!
Next Training Course for Wellington Samaritans 2014
Wellington Samaritans are currently seeking volunteers (Sams) for their next training course beginning in October 2014. We are looking for people who are good listeners, non-judgmental and empathetic, to help us operate our 24-hour helpline.
If that sounds like you CONTACT US NOW. Call us on 472 3676 or email wellington@samaritans.org.nz to apply.
Samaritans Street Appeal 2014 - Collectors wanted!
The Wellington Samaritans Annual Appeal hits the streets of The Coolest Little Capital, this time on Friday August 22 and Saturday August 23. The appeal is a vital part of keeping the service 24/7, 365 days a year, supporting our volunteers so they can keep listening, caring and just being there.
Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Stories
Whirlwind Stories is a really great initiative to help enable men to positively embrace their mental health through the sharing of stories.
They've produced a bunch of postcards and behind each postcard is a man's story. Each story is about difficult times and about that man's ability to survive and adapt and get through the tough stuff. Each story is a story of hope.
They've also dedicated an album, Whirlwind, to the cause and it's great. If you want a copy Marbecks are selling them for a gold coin donation.
Volunteer NOW for Wellington Samaritans next training course
A Samaritans volunteer doesn't stand out from the crowd but they are often there when no one else is. Are you a good listener? Could you be a Samaritan (we call them Sams)?
We need day and night time listeners for our Wellington Centre.
Our next course starts October 2014
CALL 472 3676 or click here to apply now.
Lower Hutt Samaritans seeking Volunteers
Lower Hutt Samaritans are seeking volunteers for their next training course.
They are looking for people who are good listeners, non-judgemental and empathetic, to help us operate our 24-hour helpline. As a volunteer you will be helping people who may be lonely, depressed or suicidal, or who need to talk about problems in their lives.
If you would like to learn new life skills and are available for 2 or 3 hours a week, daytime or evening, please phone our helpline 04 586 1048 to register your interest.
Suggestions for reducing Christmas and New Year stress
Christmas can be among the most difficult times of the year, highlighting financial pressures, relationship issues or loneliness. To help Samaritans suggest that you
• Drink sensibly or even better avoid alcohol completely
• Keep your expectations of Christmas reasonable - you may not even like Christmas - and that's OK, remember it is just one day in the year
• Talk about how you are feeling to your friends, family, someone you trust or your GP. Remember Samaritans helpline 0800 726 666 is available 24 hours a day - including Christmas Day if you have something on your mind
Calls to Samaritans increase
Samaritans of Wellington saw an 11% increase in calls by for September 2010 (compared to August 2010) with October also seeing a rising average.
“This was partly due to the extension of our 0800 number to help victims of the Canterbury earthquake but was also due to financial concerns with the GST increases and increases in domestic violence,” says Bruce Wall, Chairman, Samaritans of Wellington.
Samaritans of Wellington receives 50-100 calls a day – an average of three calls an hour, or 20,000 calls last year. The busiest times are between 7pm and 2am.