You can join us by

First of all coming along to one of our regular information meetings. Here you will have a chance to meet some of us, find out a little bit more about what it is we actually do, ask any questions you may have and get a feeling as to whether or not this is something you would like to do.

If you are interested in coming along to one of our information meetings then please give us a call on 0118 926 6333 or email us. The dates of our upcoming information meetings are:

Information Meetings 2008

What next?

After coming along to an information meeting and finding out a bit more of what we do (and what we don't) you may want to attend a Selection Day. This is a whole day full of discussions, information and listening exercises designed to find out if we are suitable for you and if you are suitable for us. If so then you may decide to carry on and train with us to become a listening Samaritan. The dates of our upcoming Selection Days are:

Selection Days 2008

What happens after that?

If all goes well at the Selection Day you will be invited to apply to join Samaritans and attend a Samaritans Initial Training (SIT) training programme. This involves a number of evening and weekend sessions in which you will be trained in all aspects of our work: this will include practice calls with your trainers. After this you will be assigned one or more mentors, and start taking calls: the mentoring period continues until you and your mentors are comfortable that you are ready to move on. More details of this process, and the continuing training and support systems after this point, will be given at the information meeting.

Alternatively why not have a look at the national Samaritans web-site for more information about volunteering your time.