Purpose of Role

To provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. To provide such support by telephone, face to face, email, and whatever other means of communication may be adopted by Samaritans.

Activities and tasks

•To provide confidential emotional support as above
•To uphold Samaritans Mission, Vision & Values & Policies & Procedures
•To meet a regular time expectation with the branch, including overnight duties as required
•To support fellow Samaritans volunteers during shared duties
•To liaise with duty Leader at the beginning and end of each duty
•To liaise with duty Leader in respect of difficult or emergency situations or when in doubt
•To comply with instructions given by duty Leader or Director
•To maintain caller log sheets and/or systems as required by the branch
•To undertake a minimum of 5 hours on-going training each year

Qualities

•To maintain confidentiality at all times
•To actively listen in confidence without prejudice
•To deal sensitively with all callers, including vulnerable people, those with mental health issues and children, as necessary
•To follow procedures and maintain systems
•To provide support for fellow volunteers, Leaders and branch members
•Listening volunteers should be 18 or over upon completion of their training.

Timescale

•One 4 hour shift each week with 1 overnight shift every 8 weeks.

Location and travel

•Samaritans branch, 35 Glynde Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EU (map).

Main contact/s

•There will be a named day leader
•Named duty deputy director

Support

•Samaritans Initial Training will develop the skills of listening volunteers to offer emotional support to callers
•Each year, volunteers will be provided with a minimum of 5 hours of on-going training
•The support of a duty leader and Directorate team
•A named mentor during first six months
•Branch and peer meetings

Benefits

•Training
•Out of pocket expenses
•Chocolate biscuits
•Social events with a new group of like-minded people
•Being involved in a meaningful cause.

If you have any further questions about volunteering, have a look at our frequently asked questions or contact our Recruitment Enquiry Line on 07761 604 086 or bexleydartford@samaritans.org