Become a Samaritans Listening Volunteer

Listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs someone. Every year, they spend over one million hours responding to calls for help and they can change the course of someone’s life.

Help people at difficult times

Every 10 seconds someone contacts us. Every 10 seconds we can help someone turn their life around. As a listening volunteer you get the chance to make a real difference to someone’s future.

Get support every step of the way

You’ll receive full training to prepare you for the kinds of conversations you’ll have. And when you start out, you’ll have a mentor with you, to give you confidence you’re doing the right thing.

Learn to do something valuable

You’ll gain a range of new skills and the confidence to use them, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations. Many employers value these kinds of skills.

What it’s like being a listening volunteer

• It’s always different and always interesting – no two conversations are the same.
• It feels like a privilege to have people confiding in you.
• You’re never on your own, and there’s a fun, supportive atmosphere in our branches.
• You can offer support on the phone or email.
• You can take a break between conversations whenever you need to.
• Spending a few hours helping other people can make you feel good about yourself.