Falklands : Mental Health Strategy Group Seeks Volunteers for Samaritan Training
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 19.04.2007 (Article Archived on 03.05.2007)
The MHSG wants 40 volunteers for a much needed help line.
MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY GROUP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR SAMARITAN TRAINING
By J. Brock (Chairman)
The Mental Health Strategy Group is looking for funding and volunteers to help with people in the Falkland Islands who need help and to talk with someone about what is bothering them. The group hopes to raise funds to finance training by two instructors from the Samaritans. It is envisaged that the instructors will train a group of people in operating the help line.
Samaritans philosophy stresses that the help line would be anonymous and confidential. Another point is that anyone – not just someone with diagnosed mental health problems – can give the volunteers a call. Problems that can qualify would be like coping with bereavement, relationship breakdown or job loss. If you feel you have on one to turn to, this help line could be the answer.
An application for a Shackleton scholarship would cover the airfares of the Samaritan trainers, however, the Mental Health Strategy Group would need to raise the money to feed and house the trainers. When it is known about the Shackleton Scholarship funding the group will be recruiting about 40 volunteers to operate the help line. That number of people is needed in order to share the commitment. Otherwise, it would fall on a dedicated few.
If you are a good listener and able to give people your undivided attention, then this volunteer position could be for you. It is also good to see things from another person’s point of view. Anyone who wants to volunteer for the help line can contact any of the members of the MHSG:
Karen Chenery, Jim Ward, Ruth Taylor, Rachel Hancox, Sue Spicer, Stella Prindle-Middleton and Juanita Brock
The Mental Health Strategy Group hope to raise awareness of mental health through a series of posters placed around town.
Educating people about the need for mental well-being will be difficult as the subject is widely taboo. It is hoped that the group’s efforts will help to break down the barriers that prevent good mental health.
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