THE Samaritans are going on a recruitment drive.
The charity is holding sessions, for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, to help in providing emotional support to those in distress, despair or who may be feeling suicidal.
The first event took place yesterday (Thursday) at Castle Rushen High School in Castletown.
Subsequent ones are being held on January 25 at Queen Elizabeth II High School, Peel, from 6pm to 7pm and on February 1 at Ramsey Grammar School from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Volunteers are asked to commit to one four-hour shift a week and will receive full training and ongoing support and mentoring.
The Samaritans has been serving the island for more than 30 years providing confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day. Samaritans Isle of Man has 70 volunteers from all walks of life and from all age groups, who primarily provide a telephone-based listening service from the centre in Victoria Place, Douglas.