13 trainees have successfully completed their training course and become a qualified Samaritans volunteer at our branch
Friends and relatives joined to watch them receive certificates as they concluded their 10 month training programme. During this time they have each undertaken 42 hours of formal training, at least 35 hours under supervision providing direct support to people needing help and a six month Probationary period.
The training is spread over many months as our volunteers fit their time at Samaritans around jobs, studying and family commitments. They will work at least one shift a week, perhaps very early in the morning or when everyone else has gone to bed, so that we can be there to help people 24 hours a day.
At one time or another many of us will have felt lonely or sad. But listening to our callers talking about what they are going through puts everything into perspective
Liz, one of our newly qualified volunteers
I'm so proud that Liz has become a Samaritans Volunteer
Liz's Mum
I now understand why listening to people going through difficult times is so important - and the training has made me a much better listener
Simon, another of our newly qualified volunteers
