Volunteering with the Samaritans

Faith

I'm thinking of volunteering for the Samaritans, but to be honest, I'm really scared about the idea! I'm starting a psychology conversion course in September, and experience like that would be great for my future career. I'm freaked out at the thought of not being able to help people who ring, not knowing what to say, etc. I've looked at the website and it says they provide loads of training, but I'd really like to hear from anyone here who has done it.

Thoie

Sorry, can't help much with the "What's it like" question, but a few things to note.

This information might be out of date, but it used be that you were "invited" to join, you didn't just apply on your own behalf. The other thing was that you may not get many responses from current volunteers, as there used be a rule about not letting anyone know that you're a volunteer.

Split

Hey , I volunteered with the Samaritans before I started studying . You get in depth training from the Samaritans and you are never alone.it was always instilled on us that you cant help everyone no matter how much you tried.i found it a very worthwhile project although i had to give it up when I went to college. You wont be allowed tell people that your with the Samaritans . If you want contact details send me a pm and Ill pass them on to you.

The Black Oil

I've never volunteered with them, but obviously they deal with a lot of people who are suicidal. Bear in mind you may have to stay on the line if a person has chosen to take their own life. I think they run introduction evenings or talks so it might be worth checking out one of those. I suppose it's a listening service so you'll develop skills or be trained along those lines.