THE local Samaritans’ branch is delighted to announce the appointment of a new director to manage the branch.

The new post-holder, Barbara Denyer, was nominated by her fellow 135 listening and support volunteers to lead the team of Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts, which is based at Mount Pleasant, Larges Lane, Bracknell.  Angela started her new three-year role on 15 March.

With 19 years’ experience as a Samaritans’ listening volunteer answering calls from people struggling to cope, Barbara has also over the years taken on the responsibilities of mentoring, training, shift leading, giving talks, publicity and establishing links with other local organisations.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen as director at my local branch,” she said. “I feel passionate about what we do, not just within the branch but further afield, as an organisation striving constantly to improve society and individuals.

Asked what motivated her to join the charity, she said: “I lost a work colleague to suicide and a few days later saw an advertisement for Samaritans on a double-decker bus. So I applied and then joined when my work role changed and I could fit it in. It was so different from my work, which was corporate and goal-orientated.”

The branch held an online celebration to welcome her and to thank the outgoing branch director, Chris Lindsay, for all his hard work over the last three years.

Anyone going through a tough time can contact Samaritans for support on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Branches are currently closed for face-to-face visitors.

For support, ring 116 123 free or email jo@samaritans.org.

Please note that the branch is currently unable to provide face to face support. Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 116 123 (free to call) (UK), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find further details.