The Samaritans

[smudge]

Does/has anyone ever worked for The Samaritans?

Even though I get my down days, the same as lots of others - I have been asked by so many troubled people who have confided in me, whether I've ever considered working for the Samaritans. I had considered it in the past, but had a very busy home & working life up until 5 years ago & just didn't have the time.

What experience or qualifications would be required for this line of work?

Also, in your opinion, would you say it is/was fullfilling or draining, or too time consuming? Thank you.

[hectic]

Hi smudge, my sister did this for a bit and she didn't need to have any qualifications I think its pretty much like a chat to get to know whether you are a helpful person and would benefit the samaritans, as for time consuming there may well be some overnight shifts as they are a 24hr organisation, my sister did!  Well done for being so compassionate though!

[Octavius]

I guess it would depend on how easy you would be able to 'switch' off after a particularly worrying or disturbing phone call.  I don't mean to be callous, but if a disturbed individual was on the phone to me in a bit of a state, I would probably find myslef worrying about them too much afterwards.  All credit to those who can do it though.

[ali_alic]

I agree with Andy Hughes.  I was a Samaritan years ago - when "God were a lad" as they say.  It was one of the best "parts" of my life.  We had to commit to doing a certain amount of overnighters per month and the main qualification was to be a good listener.  Much harder than it sounds, believe me.  I come from a very stoic, grounded, matter of fact northern family where most problems were solved by "pulling yourself together" so a major cultural shock for me.  But great grounding for the future.  You also weren't allowed to tell anyone you were a Sammy.  Don't know if thats changed since my days.  Good luck, hope you go for it, you will get as much out of it as the callers!!

[Lillabet]

Hi, I worked for Samaritans for a while - until I moved house and just didn't get round to signing up again. As Andy says you need to be a good listener and interested in people. A lot of callers will be feeling ignored and unheard so genuinely wanting to listen is probably the most important thing. Far more so than any qualification.

You will be trained in a number of helpful skills - which I have found myself using at work as well. Also in all sorts of scenarios which might arise. As Andy said the obscene callers - something which you wouldn't immediately associate with Samaritans - are something most people have to deal with at some point. They can be something which dissuades trainees.

Most groups will have a minimum commitment that they will expect you to make interms of covering shifts and often the minimum number of overnights they would want you to commit to. This can be difficult depending on your home situation and also your work. A friend who was a single parent and temping found it too hard to balance. But in most cases it is do-able.

I found it really rewarding and met some really nice people there. There can be terribly draining calls - but also feeling that you've made a difference is wonderful. Plus by their nature you would be working with a supportive group who help to debrief you and check that anything you've dealt with will not weigh too heavily.

Go for it - at least sign up for the training. Then you can find out if it suits you. Best of luck...

[smudge]

Thank you hectic, Octavius, Andy, ali_alic &  Lillibet, for your brilliant answers, compliments & encouragement.

You are all so helpful & I'm torn now - on the one hand I'd like to get out there & find myself a temping job to fill some of my days & on the other, I'd also like to give the Samaritans a go too. I shall give them a call tomorrow for some feedback & will let you know what I decide to do. Thanks again. -x-

[smudge]

*Lillabet

[smudge]

Thank you too IAP -  include yourself in my previous post.

Catch you later -x-

[Robinia]

Smudge when I'm not sure which way to go I usually find that something happens to point me in the right direction, even if it means waiting a while.  If it's right for you something will tell you so.

I've never called the Samaritans but knowing that I could has got me through some long dark nights. Good luck!

[smudge]

Thank you Robinia - fortunately, I've never had to call the Sam's either - yet!

It's nice if you can talk to your one & only's, which I do, but I don't always like to worry them too much. I have a very good close friend who I go for long walks with & we both get lots of our chests then - believe me.

I agree, the long dark nights are the worst time. Everyone is tucked up in bed zzzzzz away. I usually put the Discovery channel on & watch babies being born, or people having their faces reconstructed! I usually end up nodding off before long! -x- 

[kags]

Hello Smudge, I was a Samaritan for many years and I was repsonsible for recruitment at the Branch. The organisation needs people who are commited, non-judgemental and calm. You need to be aware of where your strengths and weaknesses lie - for instance, I was a new mother when I joined and I was aware that any issues involving children were going to be the ones I might have difficulties with. If you can think through the things that wind you up or upset you, and are prepared to put your feelings on one side if you encounter these issues in your work as a Samaritan, then you will do just fine. Nobody is without any prejudice whatsoever, and I was always suspicious of prospective volunteers who said they were. Much better to know yourself, admit to your shortcomings, that way you can deal with them. Samaritans never give advice, they offer support and space & time for the caller to make their own decisions. Some volunteers found this frustrating, they felt it was too passive, and had expected to be saving lives on every shift. Personally, I found it very very rewarding, as has been said above you feel that you have made a small difference in someone's life, and perhaps have been told something that the caller has never told another person.The preparation is good, you are given the skills to deal with many common situations, but you need to have common sense, a warm, compassionate manner, and a very placid temperament (whilst carrying out your duties at least!) to cope with the huge variety of callers you may face. (contd)

[kags]

(contd)

You no longer have to keep the fact that you are a Samaritan a secret, you can use your judgement who you tell. You cannot however, share anything you hear with your family or friends, not even in general terms.

The time commitment varies from Branch to Branch, and there is usually some flexibilty. Contact your local Branch for somre more information, they will be happy to talk to you without you having to make any sort of commitment. Good luck! 

[smudge]

Thank you so much for your brilliant run dowm Kags.

I must say, after reading that & the other replies, I feel even more inclined to persue my interest in the Samaritans. Lots of people at work used confide in me & I used to offer them advice where I could. They said they always felt comfortable with me & I did with them.

I was going to phone them yesterday, but you know how it is - the door bell rings, the phone rings, then I was out all afternoon & evening. So I shall contact them some time next week & see where it goes from there. Thank you once again.