Are you someone's good Samaritan?

From the archive, first published Saturday 30th Dec 2006.

A charity is seeking volunteers who are willing to burn the midnight oil and lend an ear to people who are in need.

Bosses at Bradford Samaritans have launched their New Year recruitment drive, with a special focus on attracting people willing to give up a few nights each month to offer support to people between 2am and 8am.

The charity is also looking to recruit volunteers from across the district who might be able to offer their services via e-mail or text.

Seb Abbasi, of the Bradford branch, said any volunteers would be welcomed with open arms and added that he was keen to recruit from any sector of society. He said he wanted to dispel any myth that the charity has a religious context or that those volunteering might have to adhere to certain beliefs.

Mr Abbasi said: "There is no requirement to have any religious background. Irrespective of what religion a volunteer practices it doesn't matter, being a Samaritan is separate from that.''

He said the charity both on a local and national level would welcome people from all backgrounds.

And Mr Abbasi added that those who could speak a second language would be able to offer support to people nationally and globally thanks to the far-reaching nature of modern communications.

Mr Abbasi said many people could be put off volunteering in the belief that their day jobs would be too restricting.

But he said his own experience proved that many employers were willing to support staff working as charity volunteers.

"You find these days that employers are quite flexible when it comes to volunteering work. When I started with my company I explained to them that I had a volunteering role. It's becoming more and more common certainly, if people approach their employers they might find a work and life balance," he said.

Volunteering with the charity requires people to give up 18 hours every month, and Mr Abbasi said arrangements could be made if volunteers needed time off.

The number of volunteers in Bradford has risen gradually over the past few years, with 85 active members currently on the books.

He said it was the charity's 2007 New Year resolution to give the figures a further boost because the introduction of the 2am to 8am shift meant more people were needed overnight. Volunteers will receive thorough training and support during their time with the charity.

Recruitment sessions will be held at the Samaritans base at 6 Mornington Villas, Manningham Lane, on Monday, January 8, and Wednesday, January, 10, at 7.30pm and Saturday, January 13, at 2pm.

The telephone number for Bradford Samaritans is (01274) 547547 or go to www.samaritans.org.uk.

e-mail: rebecca.wright

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk