Listening Volunteer

For Samaritans Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Branch

Every 10 seconds someone contacts Samaritans; every call is a chance to help someone turn their life around.

Our listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs someone to talk to. It’s always different and always interesting – no two conversations are the same.

As a listening volunteer you get the chance to make a real difference to our callers. You’ll get to join a friendly, diverse and supportive team of people and benefit from a range of new skills and the confidence to use them, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations.

Take the next step by discovering if being a listening volunteer is right for you.

To learn more about your local Samaritans branch visit Samaritans Bognor Regis, Chichester and District website.

Skills

Anyone has it in them to be a Samaritan. You don’t need to have previous experience or qualifications, but you will need to be empathetic, non-judgemental and accepting of others. Our volunteers are expected to cover regular late night (after 10 pm) and overnight (midnight to 6 am) shifts twice yearly

You’ll receive full training to prepare you for the kinds of conversations you’ll have. And when you start out, you’ll have a mentor with you, to give you confidence you’re doing the right thing.

About Samaritans Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Branch

The Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential, emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Every 10 seconds we respond to a call for help. No judgement. No pressure. We’re here for anyone who needs someone.
We provide emotional support to those who are struggling to cope, some of whom have thoughts of ending their life, through phone, email or face to face. We also work within the local community with schools, hospitals and with other charities to build resilience and support those at greatest risk. We are entirely run by volunteers and our local branch is self sufficient in raising funds to meet our costs, recruiting and training our volunteers. We are open every day and in 2020 responded to 17,500 calls for help.

Interests

Mental Health

Activities

Supporting People and Befriending

Details

Yes - DBS check required
Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
Yes - Expenses reimbursed
Yes - Health and Safety Policy
Yes - Is it fully accessible
Partially accessible - ground floor only
Yes - Ongoing support
Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
Potentially yes
No - Suitable for Under 18's
Yes - Training provided
Yes - Volunteer induction
Yes - Volunteer Policy
Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
Yes - Written role description

Availability

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Morning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Afternoon	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Evening	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

We operate shifts on a 24/7 basis and we ask for a minimum commitment of three hours per week including one 3 hour shift starting at 10 pm or 11 pm and one 6 hour midnight to 6 am shift twice a year.