2009 Recruitment Drive

Cheltenham Samaritans launched a recruitment drive at the start of 2009. In particular the branch was seeking additional listening volunteers to help cope with the increasing number of calls and the further development of email and text services for callers.

The recruitment drive began in January with promotional stalls being set up in the Beechwood Shopping Centre and the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham and Morrisons in Tewkesbury. These stalls were manned by volunteers on Saturdays throughout the month.

In February, Samaritan volunteers headed to the public libraries in Cheltenham and Cirencester, together with branch libraries in Bishops Cleeve, Charlton Kings, Hatherley, Prestbury and Winchcombe to meet the public. These visits provided further opportunities for members of the public to find out more about the role of listening volunteers.

In March and April, Samaritan volunteers were busy delivering recruitment leaflets through the doors of homes in the Cheltenham area. Over 2000 leaflets were delivered but if you did not receive one then you can download a copy here.

In May, Janet Dibley, the well known actress, lent her support to the drive for new recruits by taking part in a photo shoot to promote the campaign.

Information sessions for potential volunteers are held each month in Victoria House. For further details click here.