Frequent Questions
What kind of volunteer can I be with Samaritans?
Every aspect of running your local Samaritans branch is done by
volunteers. You could help with:
- administration
- help raise funds
- generate local publicity
- write letters
- help with the accounts
...or be a listening volunteer, providing confidential,
non-judgemental, emotional support to people in need – by email,
telephone or face to face.
What is the recruitment process?
There are 6 steps to the
recruitment and selection of listening volunteers. If
you would like to help running your local branch, the recuitment
process is considerably shorter.
How do Samaritans ensure volunteers are well supported?
Samaritans ensure good practice by being involved in a
number of initiatives to support our volunteers. Find out more about these initatives and our
influence.
How long does the Recruitment and Selection process for
listening volunteers last?
Once you complete the Volunteer Interest Form, the branch should
contact you directly within a few days to invite you to an
Information Session.
What training is provided?
All Samaritans are fully trained and supported so that they can
fulfil their individual roles.
Listening volunteers receive a respected, tailored training
package of eight sessions, learning about active listening using
skills practice, exercises and discussions. Known as Samaritans
Initial Training 1 (SIT1), this can take up to six months to
complete as most branches run it at set times of the year.
After SIT1 you will be supported by a mentor as you provide
emotional support to people in need. You will also move on to
Samaritans Initial Training 2. The whole process can take 9 –
12 months.
All volunteers are also asked to attend five hours of training
each year after Initial Training to keep up to date with current
trends and developments.
How much time would I give?
This depends on you and the role that you would like to
take. Listening volunteers are asked to do one shift per week
and one night shift per month (shifts last between 3-4 hours),
although this can vary from branch to branch. The time
required for other roles in the branch will be specified at the
Information Session.
What age restrictions are there?
The minimum age is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
What do I get in return?
You’ll experience the rewarding feeling of being able to do
something for someone else; contributing your existing skills,
learning new ones and finding others you didn’t know you had.
You’ll be surrounded by a group of people motivated by the same
goal as you – to put time and determination into seeing things
improve.
Will my expenses be reimbursed?
Yes. As a volunteer-involving organisation, Samaritans is
committed to ensuring volunteers are not left out of pocket.
Meet some of our volunteers
Find
out about some of our volunteers
Further Questions
If you have any questions about the recruitment
process, please contact the Volunteer Recruitment Line on
08705 62 72 82 from the UK, or 1890 200 091 from the Republic
Of Ireland.