Listening Volunteer

To provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. To provide such support by telephone, face to face, email, letter, online chat, and whatever other means of communication may be adopted by Samaritans. 

Benefits

• A chance for personal development.
• Access to a thorough training programme which takes place over 12 sessions, along with some online learning modules. Training is usually scheduled on a Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. It typically takes a couple of months before you're ready to start volunteering.
• Develop new listening and communication skills you can use in all aspects of your life.
  
• Meet new people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures.
• Give something back to your local community.

At our Discover Samaritans events you will be able to find out more about volunteering and the work that we do and you will be able to explore whether Samaritans is the right place for you.

The next Discover Samaritan Days are being held on 6th July and 10th August for a training cohort starting in September.

After this session, if you wish to continue the process of becoming a volunteer, you will be invited to their training.

What skills do I need?

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• To be able to actively listen without prejudice
• To be able to communicate clearly with callers and branch volunteers
• Ability to deal sensitively with all callers, including vulnerable people, those with mental health issues and children, as necessary.
• Able to follow procedures and maintain systems.
• Ability to recognise the need for support (in themselves and others) and to seek or provide support where necessary.
• Awareness of own emotional triggers and can cope with own feelings.
• Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Samaritans values.