The samaritans

[Daisychain]

I'd really like to join the samaritans. I am waiting for their open night in my area to take place. Im just wondering..could working for the SAMS be likely to make you more depressed? Or do you think it could play a role in helping you get through your depression?

Thanks in advance :hug:

[Jenny]

Hi Daisy,

I started the training to become a samaritan but stopped the course just before 'qualifying' (or whatever you call it!). I think it's definitely a worth while quest.. i know that before I joined I was really worried about certain things that may trigger me, but actually when it came to the actual exercises the things that i thought would trigger me didn't, and things i never thought would trigger me did!

I guess everyone is different and the only way you'll find out if samaritans is for you is to join and see how it goes. The support system within the samaritans network is fantastic - there's lots of peer support including a mentor and a leader. Their outview is that they need to look after the volunteers taking the calls, as their wellbeing is just as important as the callers.. as after all without the volunteers there'd be no one there for the callers!

When you attend the information evening you'll be invited back for a selection day and interview and this is the time you'll be able to raise your concerns and see how you feel. It's always a good idea to be as honest as you can in the interview.. the're not there to catch you out and it's not an 'interview' as in a job interview.. it's very informal and really a chance to say what you may need from them.

Good luck with it all and let us know how it goes?
Jenny x

[Abadabs]

Hi Daisy,

I started the training to become a samaritan but stopped the course just before 'qualifying' (or whatever you call it!). I think it's definitely a worth while quest.. i know that before I joined I was really worried about certain things that may trigger me, but actually when it came to the actual exercises the things that i thought would trigger me didn't, and things i never thought would trigger me did!

I guess everyone is different and the only way you'll find out if samaritans is for you is to join and see how it goes. The support system within the samaritans network is fantastic - there's lots of peer support including a mentor and a leader. Their outview is that they need to look after the volunteers taking the calls, as their wellbeing is just as important as the callers.. as after all without the volunteers there'd be no one there for the callers!

When you attend the information evening you'll be invited back for a selection day and interview and this is the time you'll be able to raise your concerns and see how you feel. It's always a good idea to be as honest as you can in the interview.. the're not there to catch you out and it's not an 'interview' as in a job interview.. it's very informal and really a chance to say what you may need from them.

Good luck with it all and let us know how it goes?
Jenny x

Hi Daisy ..

I am a Samaritans volunteer, and would totally agree with Jenny's experiences. My training was very thorough, and contained everything that I needed to potentially face as a listening volunteer... There's a mentor for you at first, a leader whom you can ring if you had a hard call / shift, that you need to 'get out of the system' before heading home, and the support certainly is first rate.

The selection evening is definitely much more of a chat, nowhere near as intimidating as it sounds - everyone's very friendly and supportive.

As Jenny said - let us know how things go.

Ab.

[Thumper]

I think you're all very brave :) It's not something I could ever do, at least not in the short term as I find it hard to deal with very strong positive or negative situations, that's just how I've always been.

[brighteyes]

I think it can be a very rewarding experience depending on how much you put into it.

[Daisychain]

Thanks everyone,

That was very helpful and informative :)

It doesn't sound as nerve wracking as I had previously thought.I'm definitely going to join now. Even if I only help one person,it will have been worth it :hug: Again,thank you very much!

[Jenny]

Good luck with it - will be interested in hearing how it goes for you :)

[Jenny]

Has the information evening taken place yet :) Hope it went/goes ok x

[Daisychain]

Has the information evening taken place yet :) Hope it went/goes ok x

No, it hasn't :blue: lol!

The last one that took place in Limerick was in the beginning of February so there won't be one for a while. I'm really looking forward to it, and in the meantime I'm still in therapy and reading lots about depression etc..so I'm getting myself prepared for it :)

[Wanna Be Counsellor]

What a great thread and review for the samaritans efforts to suppor their volunteers.

Interestingly enough I read a 'day in the life of a volunteer' on their site a couple of days ago - there is a link on their homepage to it. Gave a really good 'feel' for what you can expect, the good and the bad.

Good luck

[Jenny]

Have you heard anything yet Daisy?

I'm thinking of applying again for my local samaritans - the main thing that's putting me off though is the fat that you have to do one overnight/late shift every month. It's really sad of me but I am really not good when it comes to not getting enough sleep - I get really emotional myself!

Will give it some thought though :)

[Daisychain]

I've heard nothing at all.I'm really disappointed about it but I am guessing that they don't have open nights here that often. I'm not going to give up though.

Thanks for asking :) If you feel it might be too much for you to take on board maybe it is. :hug: