Our next introduction day for new volunteers is

Sunday 21st February 2010

Call 01403 276276 or 01293 515151 for more details

What do I have to do to be a Samaritan?     Just Listen!
 

Would you like to become a volunteer?

A young and healthy man wants to kill himself. Do you tell him he has everything to live for? If you're not sure how to answer, we really want to hear from you.

Horsham and Crawley Samaritans are looking for volunteers to be trained to support our callers. You don't need formal qualifications or previous experience, but a natural ability to listen and remain open minded are essential skills.

Samaritan volunteers are ordinary people. We come from all walks of life and all backgrounds and all cultures, but we have one thing in common, we are all very good listeners. All our volunteers receive special training in listening skills, to help us respond to people in crisis. We are looking for people who can empathise with our callers, and can be caring and willing to try to understand their situation.

"All of us, at points in our lives, feel anxious and sometimes unable to cope - and for some, these feelings can become too much to bear, and may even lead to despair and thoughts of suicide. At times like this, someone who will listen and share such painful feelings, who will not judge or blame and who will promise confidentiality, can make all the difference”
Robin - a volunteer at Horsham and Crawley Samaritans

Volunteers are from a wide range of ages and circumstances.

We accept volunteers of all ages over 18.

The essential skills required are not related to age or specific backgrounds.

National Statistics

• Two people under 25 years old die by suicide every day
• 75% of suicides are by males
• 12 million people are on antidepressants
• Over 400 people self‑harm every day
• Depression affects 1 in 4 of us at some stage in our lives
• Nearly twice as many people die by suicide than in road accidents

Volunteer Commitment

The commitment is 12 hours per month, comprising of 2,3,4 or 5 hour shifts (whichever suits you).

In addition to this there is an over night duty once a month or 2 half night duties, the half night duties are for 4 hours, the whole nights last for 5. Overnight duties are optional for volunteers aged 70 and over.

We always need new volunteers at Horsham & Crawley branch. When you are accepted as a volunteer, you get excellent training to prepare you for your new role. The benefits of being a Samaritan are: You can make a difference in someone's life. You will be doing something worthwhile. You will learn skills that will help you in all the other parts of your life. You will make new friends. To apply to join Samaritans, fill in your Name, Address and Telephone Number on an application email or telephone 01403 276276 We are all volunteers, so it might take a few days for us to respond to your application, but we will respond!

“One of the best things about being a Samaritan is the unequalled support that you receive - you are never alone and you will be allocated a mentor when you start to help you through. The training is second to none"
Mary - a volunteer at Horsham and Crawley Samaritans