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- Tasks: Become a listening volunteer, providing support via phone or email to those in need.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a vital service offering 24/7 support to individuals in crisis.
- Benefits: Receive full training, mentorship, and gain valuable skills while making a real difference.
- Why this job: Make an impact, develop empathy, and be part of a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Open-minded, supportive, empathetic, discreet, accepting, and honest individuals aged 18+.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; suitable for various volunteering awards and ongoing support provided.
Listening Volunteers needed by Samaritans
Every 10 seconds someone contacts Samaritans. As a listening volunteer you get the chance to make a real difference to someone’s future by phone or email.You’ll receive full training to prepare you for the kinds of conversations you’ll have. Then, when you start out, you’ll have a mentor with you to give you confidence that you’re doing the right thing.You’ll gain a range of new skills, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations. Many employers value these kinds of skills.Samaritans is proud to offer its services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Listening volunteers typically do one shift of 3 hours each week, including a shift during the night once a month. Shifts are available at various times during the day and volunteers often say that the conversations they have during the night are the ones they feel have made the biggest difference.
Skills
We\’re looking for people who are:Open minded: willing to understand someone else’s point of view, even if it’s different from yours.Supportive: maintaining a friendly and supportive atmosphere.Empathetic: comfortable with your own feelings and able to share another person’s feelings.Discreet: careful with any information you\’re told, never sharing it outside Samaritans.Accepting: not discriminating against anyone for any reason, including gender, race, sexuality, disability or political views.Honest: able to tell the truth even when it’s difficult – for example about the type of support Samaritans can offer people, even when they want more.
- Diversity and equal opportunities policy
- Accessibility
- Age restrictions
Listeners must be aged 18 years or over - Child Protection
- Complaints Policy
- Confidentially Policy
- DBS check required
In order to safeguard our volunteers and callers the listening role requires a criminal record check. - Ex Offenders
If you have a criminal record it won\’t necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. We’ll consider each case individually. - Health and Safety Policy
- Ongoing support
Samaritans prides itself in the support that it provides its volunteers. - Suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Suitable for Supported Volunteering
- Suitable for Under 16\’s
- Suitable for Under 18\’s
- Training provided
Full training provided, usually lasting approximately 6 months, including a mentored period. - Volunteers covered by insurance
When can I volunteer?
Start Date: 02/07/2025
End Date: 02/07/2035
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
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Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Availability Details
Shifts are available at various times throughout the day, evening and early night (up to 1:30am), so it is not necessary to be available at all the times listed above. Volunteers can choose the shift days/times that suit them.
Location
Samaritans IoW Branch Office
52 South St
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 1JQ
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Listening Volunteers needed by Samaritans employer: IW Volunteer
Contact Detail:
IW Volunteer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Listening Volunteers needed by Samaritans
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Samaritans. Understanding their approach to mental health and support will help you align your mindset with theirs, making it easier to connect during interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in active listening exercises before applying. Practising how to listen without interrupting or judging can enhance your skills, which is crucial for a listening volunteer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering in other supportive roles or organisations beforehand. This experience can provide you with valuable insights into empathetic communication and help you demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former volunteers from Samaritans. They can offer first-hand insights about the role and the training process, which can be beneficial during your application journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Listening Volunteers needed by Samaritans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take some time to fully understand what being a listening volunteer at Samaritans entails. Familiarise yourself with their mission and the skills required, such as empathy and discretion.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous volunteer work, communication skills, or training that showcases your ability to support others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping others and your understanding of the importance of confidentiality and support. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your empathetic nature and open-mindedness.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your message is clear and professional. A polished application shows your commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at IW Volunteer
✨Show Your Empathy
As a listening volunteer, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your life where you've demonstrated understanding and compassion towards others. This will show that you can connect with callers on a personal level.
✨Demonstrate Open-Mindedness
During the interview, highlight your ability to accept different viewpoints. You might be asked about a time when you had to listen to someone with a contrasting opinion. Show that you can appreciate diverse perspectives.
✨Discuss Confidentiality
Make sure to emphasise your understanding of confidentiality. You could mention how you handle sensitive information in your personal or professional life, reinforcing that you respect privacy and trust.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and training process. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to clarify any doubts you may have about being a listening volunteer.
