FOCUS: 20 years a Samaritan – what it means to me

Friday 19 July 2024

When Lynsey Mallinson moved to Jersey in 2003, little did she know that the next 20 years would be spent supporting islanders through some of their darkest moments, touching – and maybe even saving – the lives of countless individuals she may never get to know or meet.

As she celebrates two decades of service with the mental health support charity, she opened up about why she got involved, what being a Samaritan means to her, and her hopes to play a part in reducing the number of suicides in the island, even in a small way...

Lynsey Mallinson says she "gets so much more than she gives" from helping others.

Having moved to the island in 2003, Lynsey was keen to volunteer for a local cause. 

"No two callers are the same"

"I had always thought about doing something like Samaritans. I thought it would be good way to meet people and gain new skills and then spotted a recruitment advert so applied - I can't believe it was so long ago!”

Pictured: Lynsey Mallinson has been a Jersey Samaritan for 20 years.

Explaining what she loves about her role, she said:  “I love the fact it's so different and varied. No two callers are the same and you are always learning on the job, trying to find the best ways to talk to people in need."

"It's a privilege to be let into someone's personal life"

During her work with Samaritans Jersey, Lynsey has also been a festival Samaritan, answering crisis calls from festivalgoers in the small hours and given other support including volunteering on the prison outreach and training teams.

"[Being a Samaritan] is so rewarding – like most volunteers I get out so much more than I give. Over the years I've also gained so much experience in various branch roles which has helped me enormously in my working life," she continued.

"It's a privilege to be let into someone's personal life and their innermost thoughts. I switch off from my life during my shifts and find being totally present with callers really refreshing.

"You don't always know you've made a difference, but I truly believe in the power of listening and taking some time to help people really be heard makes a huge impact – and even more so in our increasingly busy lives."

"Too many people die by suicide"

Samaritans is a national organisation with offices all over the UK providing 24/7 emotional support, 365 days a year. 

The work of Samaritans and its volunteers, such as Lynsey, are a vital service for people struggling with their mental health and could eventually save their life.

In Jersey, the age-standardised suicide death rate was 7.6 deaths per 100,000 people in the 2019-2021 period. Statistics for 2022 and 2023 are yet to be published.

"Too many people die by suicide," reflected Lynsey. "The statistics are shocking and a helping in a very small way to try and reduce these figures means a lot to me."

However, the aim of the Samaritans is not restricted to suicide prevention and the team will answer calls from anyone who is struggling with their mental health for any reason.

"We don't offer advice and we don't judge"

“Taking calls is challenging – we don't offer advice and we don't judge, but allow callers to be themselves whoever they are and whatever they are going through and we explore difficult topics," Lynsey said.

All Samaritans listening volunteers receive "intensive" training before they can answer callers, which Lynsey says provides a "firm grounding".

One way the local Samaritans group is hoping will help spread the word about their services is via a newly launched bus wrap.

The bus, which now carries the free call number and website prominently on its back, will serve all local routes, averaging 35,000 miles in a year.

Pictured: Fundraising by Bruno and Lyn from Bonita Hair and Beauty and marathon runner Dave (second left), who are pictured here with Jersey branch Director Alison Farley, made the bus wrap possible.

It was made possible thanks to fundraising.

According to Lynsey, for those who aren't keen to become call-takers, this is one of the key ways they can help.

"It's not for everyone and it is quite a commitment, but if being a listening volunteer and giving emotional support isn't for you, there are other ways to support us through publicity and fundraising, as well as making a donation and simply spreading the word so people know they don't have to be alone."

FIND OUT MORE...

For anyone interested in Samaritans Jersey, an outreach event tomorrow (Saturday 20 July).

A stand will be at the Co-operative Grande Marche in St Peter from 10:00 – 16:00 to encourage islanders to find out more about their work.

It comes ahead of Samaritans Awareness Day, next week on Tuesday – the date is 24 July, representing the charity's 24/7 commitment to helping.

Jersey Samaritans Branch Director Alison Farley said: “Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help every 10 seconds from people facing all sorts of challenges. Sadly, we also know that not everyone feels able to reach out for the support they need or may not feel they have someone to turn to. 

"Samaritans Awareness Day aims to remind everyone that our volunteers are here to lend a listening ear at any time of day or night, whatever you’re going through. It’s more important than ever that people don't wait until crisis point to seek support and share how they are feeling."

For more information about Samaritans Awareness Day, and how to get involved or donate, visit www.samaritans.org/247.

NEED SUPPORT?

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.