Volunteering

NEW VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED !

Aberdeen Samaritans relies entirely on unpaid volunteers to deliver its services. We currently have 45 volunteers providing emotional support for distressed and suicidal callers and visitors. These same volunteers often undertake additional roles within the branch, including outreach activities in prisons and schools, and several kinds of administrative roles that help the branch run smoothly.

With increasing numbers of contacts being made with Samaritans, by telephone, by e mail, and by texting, we always need to recruit new volunteers. If you are thinking about becoming a trained Samaritan volunteer, then please contact us on Aberdeen (01224) 574488.

Remember that Samaritan volunteers are ordinary people offering confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those feelings which may lead to suicide. You don't need any formal qualifications or previous experience to become a Samaritan. You do need to be a good listener and allow people the time and space to explore their feelings.

To volunteer you need to be 18 or over and willing to give around 20 hours of your time a month.

Once you have applied, you will be invited to attend a selection evening at which you will meet some existing Samaritans who will talk to you about what it means to be a listening volunteer, and your suitability for the role. If you are selected, you will be invited to attend our Initial Training in order to develop your natural ability as a listener. The training sessions are usually run on one evening over about 7-8 weeks, and are workshop-based and participative. After your training, you will join the branch as a "probationer" for the first six months, during which you will be fully supported by your colleagues on shift and by a mentor.

Even after becoming a full member of the branch, you will have the opportunity to refresh and develop your skills further, as we offer ongoing training on a regular basis.

Further information about the work of Samaritans is available on the national website: www.samaritans.org