Night owl listening volunteer (CSVA)

We are looking to build our team of night owl listening volunteers, providing confidential emotional support to callers in distress and despair, at varying shift times between 10.30pm and 07.30am.

These night-time hours are really important to our distressed callers and these are the hours that they most appreciate having their calls answered.

We are a close-knit team who volunteer in central Walton on Thames, working as part of the nationwide Samaritans charity. If you are an empathetic, non-judgemental person with basic computer skills, and can attend two 3-4 hour night-time shifts per month (after training has been completed) this could be for you.

We aim to recruit six night owls in all.

What skills do I need?

· Able to maintain confidentiality

· Able to listen actively without prejudice or judgement

· Able to communicate clearly with callers and other volunteers

· Able to deal sensitively with all callers, including vulnerable people, those with mental health issues and children

· Able to recognise the need for support in yourself and others, and to seek or provide support where necessary

· Aware of your own emotional triggers, and able to cope with your own feelings

· Willingness to accept Samaritan values

· Basic computer skills