Volunteer
Could you be a volunteer?
Click here to
volunteer online
Or call 08705 62 72 82 from the UK, or 1890 200 091 from
the Republic Of Ireland.
Your local branch of Samaritans is always looking for people
with the ability to listen, without passing judgement. You don't
need formal qualifications or previous experience, but a natural
ability to listen and remain open-minded is essential. You must be
over 18.
If you volunteer as a ‘listener’ during the day or night, you’ll
develop the confidence and precious know-how to turn your natural
instinct to want to help someone in difficulty into positive,
sometimes life-changing support by phone, email, text message,
letter, even face to face.
If you volunteer behind the scenes, you’ll be helping your local
branch run smoothly and play a key role in keeping our vital
service open. Some branches also have charity shops that you might
be able to manage or help with shifts. Find out more about different ways of
volunteering
To get everyone fully prepared for a role as a Samaritans
volunteer, there’s a series of about 8 preparation sessions to
learn about active listening, all held in your local branch over
weekends or evenings. You’ll take part in skills practice exercises
and group discussions with a group of people who will also act as
informal back-up for you when you become a volunteer.
"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."
John, Samaritans volunteer
When you are answering the phones, replying to emails or texts
or meeting people face-to-face, there will always be an experienced
volunteer on hand to support you. Volunteers are never left on
their own.
Thank you. I was on a metaphorical
cliff-edge tonight. Everything had got on top of me, A difficult
relationship with my Mum, a horrible break-up with my partner, a
stressful time at work, self-harm and a weird relationship with a
new man ... I didn’t know where else to turn tonight, and was
afraid that I would either harm myself again, or worse. Talking to
someone there has calmed me down and I don’t feel so alone now. You
don’t know what this has meant to me. Thank you.
Samaritans caller
What sort of people
become volunteers?
Samaritans volunteers need to be able to listen. They are not
professional counsellors. They can also:
- question gently, tactfully - without intruding
- encourage people to tell their own story in their own time and
space
- refrain from offering advice and instead offer confidential
emotional support
- always try to see the other point of view, regardless of their
own religious or political beliefs
Apply to volunteer
online or call +44 (0)8705 62 72 82 from the UK or
Ireland.
What commitment would I need to give?
The hours of shifts do vary quite a lot from branch to branch.
But typically, once you are trained you will be asked to do a shift
of 3 to 4 hours a week with 1 overnight shift a month.
What it is like working as a Samaritan? Read our diary of a volunteer to find out
more