Information Evenings
The next step to becoming a Samaritan is to come along to an Information Evening at Bexley & Dartford Samaritans. This usually lasts about an hour and gives you a chance to find out about us, ask any questions you have and receive an application form.
Book your place at an Information Evening
Selection Days
When you return your application form after the Information Evening you will be invited to attend a Selection Day. This is usually a Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon. It consists of group exercises and one to one interviews. Many prospective volunteers find the day very rewarding and it provides a chance to learn more about Samaritans.
The Interview
The interview will be as friendly and informal as possible. You will
have the chance to ask questions, and the interviewer will probably want
to discuss with you some of the comments you have made in the
application form.
You will be asked about your background, life experience and reasons for
joining, so that we can work out with you whether you would be happy as
a Samaritan.
If you are selected, you go on to attend Samaritans Training Classes to
ensure you are fully trained for your role as a Samaritan. You will
learn about active listening and different types of calls by taking part
in exercises and group discussions.
Training
"The training I received was
brilliant. On my first shift I picked up the phone and the woman on the
other end sounded exactly like my trainer had."
Sam - a new volunteer
To get everyone fully prepared for their role as a Samaritans volunteer;
there is a series of about ten preparation sessions, known as
Samaritans’ Initial Training (SIT1), that is run so as to enable new
volunteers to develop the skills and gain the confidence needed to
support our callers.
These sessions, which are run locally during weekends or evenings, help
volunteers to build on their own natural abilities as listeners. These
highly participative sessions are workshop based. They provide an
opportunity to take part in skills practice exercises and group
discussions with a team of trainers who will also act as informal
back-up for you when you become a volunteer.
After the classes you will join a shift as a Samaritan,
supporting callers either by telephone or face to face. You will always
be supported by friendly and experienced volunteers every step of the
way. Volunteers are never left to cope on their own.
Before becoming a fully fledged Samaritan volunteer, a trainee will be
supervised and supported by an experienced mentor for a period of around
six months. During this time the New Samaritan will also attend some
additional training workshops (SIT2) at intervals.
Even after becoming a member of the branch a volunteer will participate
in on-going training workshops on a regular basis as part of his or her
commitment. It is a tribute to the quality of the training to say that
this ongoing development is almost universally welcomed and indeed
looked forward to by volunteers.
- Back to 'Could you be a Samaritan?'
- Common questions about being a Samaritan
- Quotes from our volunteers
- Listener: Role Description
- Book your place at an Information Evening
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
