Isle of Wight branch of Samaritans is one of the smallest in the country. We have around forty volunteers and we are looking to increase this in the near future. This will take us towards our goal of providing an on-island service around the clock and will also enable us to continue our outreach services to the schools and prisons on the island.

Services
We provide a range of services on the island:

• telephone support
• drop-in visitor support
• e-mail support
• outreach service to schools
• outreach service to the three prisons

Structure
The Branch is run by a Director who is chosen by members of the branch every three years. The Director is responsible for setting the overall goals and direction of the branch in line with the national movement and for ensuring a high quality of service to callers.

The Director is supported by a Committee of Trustees and other branch members responsible for providing the resources and operating environment in which the branch can function. The Committee is also responsible for ensuring the branch operates lawfully as a Charity.

Funding
Samaritans is a registered charity and the branch is funded through a combination of income from our shop and from donations and legacies. On average, it costs Samaritans £2.29 every time a volunteer responds to a  contact and our main expenses on the island are:

• the cost of running the shop and the centre
• the cost of providing the outreach services

Annual Report and Annual General Meeting
The Branch holds a General Meeting  once a year which is open to the public. At the meeting we review our progress over the past year, look forward to what we hope to achieve over the coming twelve months and carry out such business as necessary (such   as electing Committee Members and approving the previous year’s accounts). We also use the meeting as an opportunity to socialise and say thank you to our supporters.