Rob, a Listening Volunteer at Worthing Samaritans, explains why he is a Samaritans volunteer
My first knowledge of the Samaritans was at Primary School, when we were introduced to the story of the Good Samaritan and the idea of helping others was implanted in me. My career involved a great deal of international travel, and it was impossible to make the commitment required to be a Samaritan Volunteer whilst I was working. That said in later in life as I retired, I found myself in a very dark and frightening place where I could see no point in being alive, I had no home, I felt alone and wanted to die, it was a horrible experience. I was so fortunate that out of kindness someone took me in, they took care of me, they didn’t judge me they, listened to my endless demand for the pain to stop. They held onto me and helped me restart my life.
That amazing act of kindness made me feel that given the right conditions maybe I could be there to help others when they were in a dark place with no one to turn to.
That’s where my Samaritans journey started, in 2018. My training provided me with the skills to understand how to really listen, to be empathetic, to be non-judgmental. It can take courage to make a call to Samaritans, to speak to someone you don’t know.
There is a privilege in being a listening volunteer. In the middle of the night, I can be there for someone who needs to talk, they don’t have to feel suicidal, many are desperate or lonely and need to talk. I like the fact that I can be totally dedicated to the caller, I don’t have to fix anything, I am there to listen, to get alongside the caller. Without Samaritans many people, who are unable to get the support they need have no one to talk to.
During my Samaritan training, I realised that I was part of a family of people from many walks of life, with different experiences who are all passionate about their role with Samaritans. We are there to support each other as well as our callers. If we have taken a difficult call that hits a raw nerve or triggers a past experience, support is always there.
We can all listen, and I would encourage anyone to think about becoming a Samaritan …. Go for it take that first step find out more today.
If you would like to volunteer with Samaritans, visit our Volunteering page.