​Why become a listening volunteer?

• Make a Difference: You'll help people when they need it most, making a real impact on their lives. ​
• Personal Growth: You'll learn important skills like listening and empathy, which can help you in all areas of life, and your future career!​
• Better Communication and Understanding Others: You'll get better at understanding others and expressing yourself, which is valuable in any situation. Volunteering will help you connect with people on a deeper level. ​
• Community and Connection: You'll become part of a caring community, making friends and working together to help others. ​
• Fulfillment: Helping others feels good. You'll find meaning and satisfaction in making a positive difference. ​

What it’s like being a listening volunteer

• It’s always different and always interesting – no two conversations are the same.
• It feels like a privilege to have people confiding in you.
• You’re never on your own, and there’s a fun, supportive atmosphere in our branches and hubs.
• You can take a break between conversations whenever you need to.
• Spending a few hours helping other people can make you feel good about yourself.

Can anyone be a listening volunteer?

Samaritans welcomes applications from a wide range of applicants. You need to be 18 or over, and because we'll invest in you (our training is really high quality), you need to see this not just as a short term role but something you're likely to do more long term.

Anyone has it in them to be a Samaritan. You won’t need to have previous experience or qualifications, but you will need to be non-judgemental and accepting of others.

You may have gone through difficult times yourself, what matters is that you now have the room in your life to help others – all kinds of people, from all walks of life.