To meet volunteers from North London Samaritans and find out what's involved, visit us at one of our Information Days.
We hold regular Information Days throughout the year where you can hear from current members of the branch, find out more about our services and what’s involved when you volunteer for North London Samaritans – because it’s quite a big commitment.
Information Days are held at the weekend from 10.00am until around 12.00pm. There is no obligation to volunteer once you have attended an Information Day, so why not come along?
Upcoming Information Days 2021
Due to the current Covid-19 situation and subsequent restrictions on face-to-face meetings indoors, we are presently utilising Zoom for our Information Days.
In the meantime, please click here to express an interest and we will send you details when they become available.
Then What?
To be a Samaritans Listening Volunteer you don’t need special qualifications or knowledge – just a few hours a week, and the ability to listen without judgement to people experiencing suicidal feelings or feelings of distress and despair.
If you are interested in volunteering after you have attended an Information Day, you will be invited to attend a Selection Day. Selection Days are also held at the weekend and normally run from 1pm to 5pm. This is when we find out more about you and whether you are interested in becoming a Listening Volunteer or a Support volunteer. You will take part in some group activities and have an interview with two experienced volunteers. Don’t worry, it’s an interesting and enjoyable day!
Samaritans Core Development and ongoing support
Listening Volunteers have to be thoroughly trained and prepared for their role. Before becoming a Samaritan volunteer you would join an initial training course spanning 8 weeks (one evening per week and two weekend days). This now includes online distance learning so you are not expected to travel for every training session.
North London Samaritans Core Development Dates 2021
January to March 2021
- January 7th, 7–9pm
- January 14th, 7–9pm
- January 21st, 7–9pm
- January 28th, 7–9pm
- February 4th, 7–9pm
- February 11th, 7–9pm
- February 18th, 7–9pm
- February 25th, 7–9pm
- March 4th, 7–9pm
- March 6th: "Skills Day" (10am–4pm, with a break for lunch)
April to June 2021
- April 6th: Pre-session
- April 8th, 7–9pm
- April 15th, 7–9pm
- April 22nd, 7–9pm
- April 29th, 7–9pm
- May 6th, 7–9pm
- May 13th, 7–9pm
- May 20th, 7–9pm
- May 27th, 7–9pm
- June 3rd, 7–9pm
- June 5th: "Skills Day" (10am–4pm, with a break for lunch)
September to November 2021
- September 13th: Pre-session
- September 15th, 7–9pm
- September 22nd, 7–9pm
- September 29th, 7–9pm
- October 6th, 7–9pm
- October 13th, 7–9pm
- October 20th, 7–9pm
- October 27th, 7–9pm
- November 3rd, 7–9pm
- November 10th, 7–9pm
- November 13th: "Skills Day" (10am–4pm, with a break for lunch)
Once you have entered the branch, you will work with a mentor and attend additional ongoing training workshops at intervals.
In terms of support, volunteers are never left to cope with a difficult call on their own. When they are on the phones, and afterwards too, there will always be an experienced volunteer on hand to offer support.