THE Salisbury branch of Samaritans is hoping to increase the ways it is able to communicate with those in need of a listening ear by developing an instant messaging service.

The branch recently welcomed a new director Denise Mitchell who takes over from Bev de Cuevas.

Discussing her vision for the Salisbury and district branch, she said: “Technology is constantly developing and we want to be able to communicate with our callers by whatever means is most comfortable for them.

“During the next months, we hope to develop an instant messaging service to sit alongside our telephone, email and SMS methods so that we can be contacted whenever and however people need us.

“Going forward my hope is that we will be able to be there for our callers 24/7. Although we have new volunteers training regularly, some also have to leave us for many reasons and as a result the centre has to shut some times.

“In order to provide the best possible support for our callers we always need more volunteers – of all ages, genders and backgrounds.”

Denise started volunteering for the Samaritans after retiring from teaching and started training in 2010.

“It has been a journey of discovery about myself and about the lives of other people across the country,” she said. “I love feeling that I have helped someone by being there to listen when life gets tough for them and I love being part of a friendly ream who all have the same passion as I do.”

Speaking about her new role as director, Denise added: “I feel honoured, and not a little daunted, to have been asked by the volunteers in the Salisbury branch to be their new director. I have started on climbing a very steep learning curve as I discover just how much our previous director, Bev de Cuevas, did to ensure the smooth running of the branch and its operation. I hope to work diligently to continue with this.”

Anyone interested in volunteering call 01722 330672 or email recruit@samaritansofsalisbury.org.uk to find out more.