Plymouth Samaritans appeals for new volunteers to support people in emotional distress
Plymouth Samaritans is appealing for new volunteers to help provide life-saving emotional support to people experiencing distress, with recruitment now open for a range of roles at its local branch.
The charity is urgently seeking more listening volunteers to answer calls from people who may be struggling to cope, as well as volunteers to support its work through administration, fundraising, retail and other behind-the-scenes roles.
Listening volunteers commit to a combination of weekly three-hour shifts and one three-hour night shift each month, providing confidential emotional support over the telephone to people who are distressed, struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
No previous experience is required, as all volunteers receive comprehensive training before taking calls.
New recruits complete Samaritans' training programme, delivered either over six weeks at the Plymouth branch or online via Zoom through the national charity. Volunteers train together in small groups before progressing to supervised call handling, first listening to experienced volunteers and then answering calls themselves with support. At least two volunteers are on duty during every shift.
Founded in 1953, Samaritans is a registered charity that provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support to anyone struggling to cope, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The organisation's volunteers respond to millions of contacts annually by phone, email and other channels, offering people a safe space to talk without pressure or judgement. The charity also works to raise awareness of emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention across communities, workplaces, schools and other organisations.
Plymouth Samaritans is inviting anyone interested in volunteering to attend one of its online information sessions, where prospective volunteers can learn more about the different roles available, the training provided and the recruitment process.
The upcoming Zoom information sessions will take place at 7pm on Thursday, September 17, and 7pm on Thursday, November 19.
Following the information session, attendees will receive details of how to apply. Successful applicants will be invited for interview before beginning their training and joining the Plymouth branch.
Anyone wishing to book a place on one of the information sessions can do so by emailing mailto:[email protected]