Being a Samaritan is one of the most fulfilling, humbling and rewarding ways to volunteer. Being able to walk alongside people you will never meet during some of the most challenging times in their lives brings home the value of the service they can offer; and at Samaritans it is done 24/7 365 days a year.
Every Samaritans volunteer is trained and supported in listening to whatever is on the mind of all callers, helping them make sense of the situation they are struggling with. Can you join the team in helping to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope?
So, what does it takes to be a Samaritan volunteer? The training and support you receive is first class and involves:
- Committing time for 10 weeks to attend the Samaritans training programme
- Being comfortable working with a mentor ‘on the job’ to help you continue to develop and grow your skills
- Learning to listen without judgement
- Empathising with people who have different outlooks
- Being part of a supportive team meeting new people and, together, helping those who are in despair
- Giving three / four hours a week of your time
If this sounds like something you want to know more about, then we want to hear from you. To find out more about volunteering for Samaritans, please check out: www.samaritans.org which helps to explain the ways to volunteer for Samaritans and outlines next steps to joining Swindon & District Samaritans, click here to reach the Swindon and district website.
As a listening volunteer said: “Now I take quiet comfort in knowing that by answering the phone, I can help someone feel better about themselves”
Swindon & District Samaritans look forward to hearing from you…
Another table-topping clash on The Common this Saturday: Marlborough take on 2nd place Witney, at 3pm
