Two open sessions which aim to attract new volunteers for the Galway Samaritans will be held in the Galway Bay Hotel on Wednesday September 6 from 8pm to 10pm and Saturday September 9 from 11am to 1pm.
If you are interested din becoming a volunteer, Samaritans will ensure you are fully prepared for your role. You will attend a series of 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.
They 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.
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.
Samaritans is 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 would not be here if it was not for volunteers. Samaritans is entirely dependent on voluntary support. It is a challenging experience and it can be very rewarding, knowing that you may have made a difference.
