Hello, my name is David and I’ve been a volunteer at Brierley Hill Branch of Samaritans since 2002 - I'd like to share my experiences with you.
An important motivation for wishing to become a volunteer was the loss of a lovely neighbour who, with no obvious sign of inward despair, chose to end her life.
After applying to become a volunteer I completed three stages of preparation; selection; training, and being mentored by an experienced volunteer.
Selection involved a two-way process; firstly, to enable the branch to assess whether each potential volunteer possessed the qualities needed by a volunteer; secondly to enable each potential volunteer to find out whether being a Samaritan volunteer was right for them. Pre-eminent amongst the qualities needed are patience, calmness, the ability to show empathy, and the absence of strong prejudices or personal experiences that might make some situations difficult for either or both the caller and the volunteer.
Following selection there followed a thorough training programme that introduced the beliefs, policies and procedures which apply throughout Samaritans; also the skills needed to engage with anyone seeking support. After completing the initial training programme I was paired with a mentor, who provided further guidance in the practice of responding to anyone who contacted us for support. I was then able to become a volunteer.
The reasons people contact Samaritans are varied and can be emotionally challenging for the volunteer as well as for the person seeking support, for example where the person seeking support is expressing strong suicidal thoughts. This challenge to volunteers is recognised and a strong system of support is available within the branch at all times.
The main ways in which people access our support is by telephone or email. The expectation is that each volunteer completes a shift each week. A shift can be either 3 or 4 hours and two volunteers are always present. We are also active outside the branch, for example in schools, colleges and at railway stations.
David in Nepal, with the peak of Everest in the background. Through sponsorship of the trek, he raised funds for Brierley Hill Samaritans.
Over my years as a volunteer there have been many changes in our society and in the opportunities/challenges this presents to each citizen. Samaritans has evolved to reflect these changes, both in the huge advancement in IT and in the nature of the reasons why people contact us for support. Whilst we have always provided emotional support for people who are experiencing a major crisis in the lives, for example bereavement, relationship difficulties, unemployment, finance, there are now more calls that arise from isolation, loneliness and mental health. COVID has been a big factor in the increase in these conditions but the general level of stress and insecurity of living in the modern world has also been a major influence. The emotional support offered by Samaritans, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, has never been more important.
During the time that I have been a volunteer, Samaritans has been a very important and positive part of my life. I feel privileged to be a Samaritan volunteer at Brierley Hill branch and to have the opportunity to support those who turn to Samaritans at a time of need. At the same time, I have gained immeasurably from the experience, met many lovely people and made some great friends.