So many people have it in them to be a Samaritan volunteer. To touch another person's life when it really matters, by helping them directly, or by keeping our branches running, is a rare gift.
Samaritans regularly hold information sessions where you can come along, have a chat with volunteers and find out more about what we do and how you could get involved. Belfast branch will be hosting it's latest information session on Monday 3rd February 2020 at 7pm. The session will be held in our branch premises at 5 Wellesley Avenue in Belfast. You can find a map and directions on our branch web page.
If you have a query beforehand please do get in touch by calling 028 90381133 or emailing [email protected]
You can also express an interest by clicking on the 'Become a volunteer' button at the bottom of this page and complete the online form.
What is it like to volunteer with us?
Our service is freely available to anyone at any time and the need is increasing so there is always something going on for volunteers to get involved in but its also important to know about the great camaraderie between volunteers and the opportunity to make new friends as you go along. Could this be an opportunity to exercise your existing abilities and talents, learn new skills, meet new people and, most importantly, be there for someone when they are in need? Why not come along and find out more?
Click here to hear Belfast volunteer Ken talking about what its like to volunteer in Samaritans
Volunteering Roles
Listening Volunteer: this is perhaps the type of volunteering we are best known for. Our support service is provided entirely by volunteers - we directly support people in distress by telephone, email, SMS and face to face in our branch. In the video linked below, one of our volunteers talks about the impact providing this kind of support has both on the caller and on the volunteer.
Support Volunteer: each Samaritan branch in Northern Ireland is a charity in its own right. This means that as well as the volunteers who provide support to our callers there are so many other essential tasks that help to keep us open and available around the clock. Such responsibilities are often undertaken by volunteers known as Support Volunteers who are able to help by fulfilling a wide variety of roles in branches such as administration, communications, fundraising, external relations, IT. It can be an area where you already have expertise or this could be your opportunity to learn a new skill.