Open sessions for people who wish to volunteer for the Samaritans will be held in the Harbour Hotel on this Saturday and next Tuesday.
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to provide emotional and confidential support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Samaritans’ vision is for a society in which fewer people die by suicide; in which people are able to explore their feelings; and in which people are able to acknowledge and respect the feelings of others
Samaritans say that they would not be here if it was not for volunteers. Samaritans is entirely dependent on voluntary support. It’s a challenging experience and it can be very rewarding, knowing that you may have made a difference.
Next Samaritans Open Sessions are on this Saturday January 14 at 11am Harbour Hotel and at the same venue on Tuesday January 17 at 8pm.
“We will ensure you are fully prepared for your role as a Samaritan volunteer,” said a spokesperson. “You will attend a series of eight or nine preparation sessions within a group and learn about active listening and different types of calls by taking part in skills practice exercises and group discussion. We hold two training sessions per year in Spring and Autumn.
“You first need to attend an Information Evening where you will get a chance to speak with other volunteers. These evenings are advertised in the papers / radio stations and on our website which is galwaysamaritans.com “You will train, learn and then work with a group of people who will act as informal back-up for you. There will be experienced volunteers on hand to support you when you are on the phones or in the visitor room. Volunteers are never left to cope with difficult calls on their own,” the spokesperson concluded.
