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Becoming a Volunteer
- What is it like to be a Samaritan?
- Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for
people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including
those which may lead to suicide. Callers may telephone or visit our
centre. Samaritans listen but do not give advice, criticise nor judge.
As well as listening in a crisis, we offer callers on-going support,
when appropriate, until they can manage without us.
- Do I have enough time?
- Most Samaritans do a 4 hour duty in the centre each week, including a
night duty every 4 weeks. Samaritans are also required to attend a
Samaritans Initial Training course consisting of 8 evening sessions
spread over 8 weeks followed by 4 sessions approximately 6 weeks apart.
- Will my family become involved?
- The support of those close to you is invaluable. However,
Samaritan work is strictly confidential, and you will not be able to
share this with anyone who is not a Samaritan.
- What Qualifications are required?
- We need ordinary, friendly people over 18 years of age who are not afraid of distress and who can be relied upon to keep total
confidentiality.
- How will I be Selected?
- There will be an informal and friendly interview with serving
Samaritans who will ask about your background and your experiences.
They may ask you some pretty searching questions! You will have the
chance to ask them questions too! You may then be invited to attend a
selection day/evening.
- I've got a bit of trouble myself, will they still accept me?
- Your own experience may have increased your sympathy and compassion, but it may have left you too vulnerable to take on other
people's troubles. It depends how you coped with your problems.
- Do you accept everyone who applies?
- Not everyone is suited to listening. It may be that you could
help the branch in other ways, for example fundraising, publicity etc.
- What is the training like?
- The training is very thorough in order to prepare you for dealing with callers. It involves 1 evening per week for
8 weeks followed by 4 sessions approximately 6 weeks apart.
- What is the next stage?
- If you would like to know more then please ask for our recruitment officer to ring you
or just contact the branch and ask for an application form to be sent to
you.
- When is your next Open Evening?
- If you would like to know more about our open evenings you can contact us on 07961 22 91 39 or 01656 66 23 33 to find out when our next open even is..
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