

Responsible for overseeing recruitment activities for Samaritans across Northern Ireland.
Collaborate with the regional team to implement effective recruitment strategies and maintain consistent volunteer engagement and retention.
Provide support and guidance to recruitment teams across 8 branches in Northern Ireland to enhance volunteer recruitment efforts.
Assist branch Directors in overseeing the overall branch operations, focusing on volunteer retention and satisfaction.
Develop and implement strategies to support and engage volunteers throughout their journey with Samaritans, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience.
Collaborate with the regional team to maintain high standards in recruitment and volunteer support across all branches
As a Listening Volunteer with Samaritans, I provide emotional support to those experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal feelings. This role has taught me the importance of being present for people during their darkest times and the profound impact that listening without judgment can have.
My experience has deepened my understanding of the power of empathy and the importance of offering a safe space for others to express themselves.
Through my journey with Samaritans, I have also learned a great deal about myself, the value of patience, and the significance of human connection in reducing the number of deaths by suicide.
**Recruitment Deputy Director**
*Samaritans Newry Branch*
*2021 – 2024*
Oversaw recruitment for the Samaritans Newry Branch, leading a team of 7 members to execute daily recruitment activities effectively.
Coordinated and conducted interviews with prospective volunteers, ensuring a smooth and efficient recruitment process.
Promoted teamwork within the recruitment team, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve branch and organizational goals.
Contributed to branch management, supporting efforts to drive the branch and the wider Samaritans organization forward.
Gained valuable volunteer experience in leadership, team management, and recruitment strategies.
Team Management and Leadership:
Successfully managed and supervised the call floor, demonstrating strong leadership abilities in guiding and supporting staff.
Staff Scheduling and Resource Management:
Effectively oversaw staff schedules, ensuring optimal coverage and efficient handling of inbound calls.
Customer Complaint Resolution:
Proficient in handling escalated customer complaints, maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction and problem resolution.
Performance Optimization:
Developed skills in team performance management, adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced environment to achieve operational goals.
These skills reflect your ability to manage teams, resolve issues, and optimize performance, which are valuable in many roles.
Customer Service Excellence Gained strong skills in delivering high-quality service, addressing customer needs efficiently, and handling inquiries with a friendly and professional approach.
Effective Communication:
Developed clear and positive communication abilities, enhancing interactions with customers and team members.
Team Collaboration:
Experienced in working closely with team members in a fast-paced environment, contributing to a cooperative and productive work atmosphere.
Ability to Work Under Pressure:
Demonstrated capability to maintain performance and composure during peak hours in a busy restaurant, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
Problem-Solving:
Acquired skills in quickly addressing and resolving customer issues or concerns, ensuring a positive dining experience.
The Prince's Trust Team Programme
Year 2000
At age 16, I participated in the 12-week Team Programme with The Prince's Trust, a transformative experience that played a crucial role in shaping my journey into adulthood. This program helped me gain confidence, develop essential life skills, and prepare for the challenges of entering the world as a young adult. I am forever grateful for the opportunity, which enabled me to grow as a person and empowered me to live my life to the fullest.
Throughout the program, I learned and developed the following key skills:
Confidence and Personal Development**: Enhanced my self-belief and communication abilities, allowing me to express myself more effectively.
Teamwork and Leadership**: Gained experience in working collaboratively with diverse groups, developing leadership skills, and understanding the dynamics of effective team building.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking**: Learned to approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset and adapt to new situations with resilience.
Time Management and Organisation**: Developed skills to manage time effectively and stay organized in both personal and professional settings.
The skills and experiences gained through this program have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today.
"My biggest accomplishment is that in 2022 I made a significant decision to change my life due to poor health, and so far I have lost 14 and a half stone and become a new man."