Kibworth & Smeeton WI
Samaritans
Our November meeting began with an engrossing talk by Bethan and Paul from the Samaritans. As we know, they are an emotional support charity, there for anyone needing help and someone to talk to. There are over 200 branches and some 23,000 volunteers around the country, the Leicester branch covering Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
On average volunteers work one shift per week. Calls can go national, routed to the next available person, so volunteers may use their own name or an alternative, whichever they prefer. Some people find emails, letters or a visit to a branch easier and branches are open 24/7, even in the middle of the night.
Their vision, Paul told us, is to prevent as many deaths by suicide as possible. Samaritans are very sensitive with the language they use, for example using the phrase “Death by suicide” rather than “committed suicide”. It’s a shocking fact that suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 40, with farmers, veterans and members of the armed forces among those at highest risk. Volunteers have three guiding principles. First, they are listeners who are always there. They don’t offer special treatment or advice because they are not specialists, but can help the person come to a decision themselves as to what they want to do by gentle, careful questioning.
Second, they are completely confidential. Third, the caller is in charge and the volunteer is very mindful about how to phrase things. Paul told us more about the techniques they use to carefully encourage the caller to enter into a conversation. Summing up, Samaritans feel that it is a privilege to help someone. Members were moved to ask a lot of questions and were given plenty of food for thought.
Committee Changes
Moving on, the business part of our meeting was our AGM. Beverley Taylor, our President, is stepping down after leading us for two inspiring years. Two committee members are stepping down and we thank them and Beverley for their hard work and commitment to our WI. Teresa Bottomley will take over in the new year and we look forward to her presidency. We were all very pleased when Clare Robertson-Hughes joined the committee some months ago. She has stepped into the important role of Treasurer after Sandra Bryant’s move to Yorkshire. Clare has already been very busy facing the challenge and the complicated process of making the necessary changes with the bank! The rest of the committee remains unchanged.
This Year
Looking back, we have had a satisfying and productive year. Recently we delivered more crocheted and knitted knee blankets and knitted comfort toys for the LRI. Betty Elloy will make a second delivery of heart monitor bags to Glenfield, bringing the total to over 100.
Member Gillian Austen was given fabric by Monks of Market Harborough and made over 40 bags. She has also received an outstanding response to her fish ‘n’ chip jumpers appeal. Our thanks must go to friends of our WI who regularly support our efforts, among them Carol Townend, who has crocheted lovely items and also made over 20 bags. Other ladies in the community often send us blanket squares. What a generous community we live in!
For the first time, we have entered the Burton Overy Christmas Tree Festival, thanks to Beverley’s inspiration.
Now into December, we have again put up our festive display in the library garden, and we would like to send everyone our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Pat Sharman
Fleckney Spinners Table Tennis Club
