VOLUNTEERS are needed to be trained as listeners with the Samaritans, who serve West Somerset from their centre in Taunton.

People interested in becoming Samaritans are invited to a selection day, to be held in Taunton on September 14, where they will discover more about what is entailed.

The event also offers the chance to meet other potential volunteers with whom they would train, and each candidate has a one-to-one opportunity to find out whether it is right for them.

Samaritans come from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages. They can be in full-time work or at home, but they have to be able to make a commitment to the charity in terms of time.

Taunton and Somerset branch is one of 11 in the South West region, 203 throughout the country, and a number of its volunteers live in West Somerset.

They travel to the branch at 16 Wood Street, Taunton, roughly four times a month to work shifts, including one overnight duty, and any potential volunteers would have to be in a position to do the same.

In view of the nature of the work, however, time commitment is not the only criterion. One purpose of the selection procedure is to give potential volunteers a wider picture of what is entailed.

Initial training takes seven weeks to complete with eight sessions, almost all of which are held on a weekday evening at the centre in Taunton.

"It is always an exciting time for us when we welcome new volunteers into the centre," said branch director Nina.

"We're very protective of them when they start - there is a six month probationary period when new volunteers are kept under the wing of more experienced Samaritans."

There is also - always - a need for people who perhaps have less time to spare but are willing to support the branch by helping with fundraising events run by the Friends of the Samaritans.

It costs well over £20,000 a year to run the branch, which is manned 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Director Nina said: "We do have a need for listening volunteers, but we value our Friends and fundraisers just as highly. Offers to support them are also welcome and I would ask that they please contact us at Wood Street."

Anyone wishing to be considered for the next selection day for listening volunteers should contact Taunton Samaritans on 01823 289456 for an information pack.

And anyone who is feeling low, in need of a listener who will not judge them and who will respect confidentiality, or who is feeling suicidal can call The Samaritans on 08457 909090 or 01823 288998.