It’s training day 1 for our fall cohort of new #Samaritans volunteers today.
This is a fear that worry a lot of our new volunteers, and I could see many nod their heads.
I have two tips on how to avoid this:
💚 Strive to be non-judgemental in the call, in what you say, how you say it, and in the pauses and silence
💚 Not to problem solve. Don’t make suggestions, don’t provide solutions.
We are listeners.
In my experience, sometimes just being present, listening and holding a safe space for our callers to explore their feelings and options may be all that’s needed.
We have limited context (apart from what our callers tell us) and we haven’t got the expertise to solve the world’s ills.
And so, we listen.
If you’re in a good place in your life, why don’t you think of volunteering your time for this worthwhile organisation?
We’d love to have you! 🤗
If you’re struggling and you need to talk, call freephone 116 123 from the UK.
It’s 988 for the suicide crisis hotline in USA.
You don’t have to go through this alone 🌹