Volunteering

Information on becoming a Samaritan

The Samaritans are a voluntary organisation dedicated to the confidential assistance of the suicidal and despairing. You don’t need any professional qualifications to become a Samaritan. We are always looking for compassionate people who are willing to share their time with people in distress.

Who can be a Samaritan

• We welcome people from all walks of life, no previous experience or training is required
• Samaritans do not seek recognition by applying to become a member. We ask that as a Samaritan you remain anonymous
• We will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check in your name.
• We are unfortunately unable to consider you for a volunteer position if:
  • You are under 18 years of age
  • If you are or have been a police officer
  • If you have been receiving Samaritan support in recent months
  • If you are undergoing psychiatric treatment or psychological counselling and you are unable to provide assurance from your doctor/counsellor that this work would not be harmful to you or to our callers.

How to become a Samaritan

In order to become a volunteer, Samaritans receive comprehensive training in eight 3 hour sessions over 4 weeks. One-on-one supervision will then be provided for a three month period before officially becoming a Samaritan. After this initial training period, ongoing supervision and support will be provided by your fellow Samaritans.

Could you be a Samaritan?

Try this simple test:

• Lisa is 14 and pregnant. Should she have an abortion?
• Eric is 26 and HIV-positive. Should he tell his family?
• Lily is 43. Her husband has a girl friend in China. Should she leave him?
• Albert is 68, and in constant pain from cancer. Would it be right for him to take an overdose?

If you answered a definitive yes or no to these questions, then Samaritan work is probably not for you.

But if you weren't sure, if you can listen to people tell their stories without making judgements, please do contact us.

We desperately need people like you.

Registration of Interest

If you are interested in becoming a Samaritan volunteer, please register your interest and you will be sent further information and an invitation to our next information session. This session will give you the opportunity to meet with us and have all your questions answered.