Samaritans has a past

The Samaritans history is a worrying past for Director.

Janet Isaac, early fifties, Director of Bournemouth and District Samaritans is concerned over the history that the charities name holds as she said: “The Samaritans were started by a clergyman in the early 1950’s the Reverend Chad Varah.”
Her concern is not over the creation of the charity but the meaning that Varah brings to it. As she said: “The Samaritans are not religious organisations and a lot of them started in church halls.” Which she feels “gave them in the publics eye a religious connotation.”

Janet does highlight the fact that the name of the charity is denoted from the bible but firmly rests this to the actions of journalists who she said: “Adopted that name.” It is she realises a “mixed blessing” and not a name that could now be changed as she said: “Everybody knowing the name Samaritans.”

Although the history of the charities name is something that is not necessarily welcomed by some, the history of the building on Durrant Road is greatly welcomed. The Samaritans opened in Bournemouth in the early 1960 has had as Janet said: “Two other homes.”

Although unsure about the first building she said: “The second one was a place called Blue Pillars which was somewhere near Marks and Spencer’s and it was demolished as part of a road development.” The building in which the Samaritans now reside was given to them by the council as Janet said: “In exchange.” She then adds: “We feel very lucky.”

The work that the Samaritans do is something that is close to Janet’s heart as proven by her 34 year dedication to the charity. When asked what makes it so special and worth such loyal dedication she said: “The power of listening.”

(Written in October/November 2008)