Support Volunteer

Who Are We?

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. We’re taking action to prevent the crisis, giving people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.

We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.

The Role

There are many ways to volunteer with us, it’s not just about the phone! So please feel free to read on if the Samaritans' seed has been sown. Here are just some of the ways you could contribute as a Support Volunteer:

• Helping out at collections.
• Looking after Health and Safety.
• Updating our website with everything we’ve been up to lately.
• Helping oversee the rota.
• Keeping us topped up with cake!

Never underestimate these roles and the difference that they make!

Yes, we always need more listeners, but there’s so much more to keep us being able to offer our help each and every day of the week.

Please note that you do need to be over the age of 18 to take on this role.

Want to find out more?

We have regular Information Days with everything you could wish to know about volunteering with us.

Get in touch by making an enquiry on this website, and we will get in touch with you about the role.

Hear from our volunteers about why they volunteer with Samaritans:

Volunteer Caroline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkKWhPPHrA 

Volunteer Jacqui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orZe1mv5yXY 

Volunteer Anne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt443fOW1-U 

What skills do I need?

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• To be able to communicate clearly with branch volunteers.
• 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.
• Demonstrate an interest and understanding of others/warmth and empathy/ non-judgemental.
• Awareness of own emotional triggers and can cope with own feelings.
• Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Samaritans values.