Are you a Night Owl or an Early Bird?
Samaritans is one of the few helplines and services that are open 24/7. But we struggle to answer all the calls we receive in the early hours of the morning. 
Statistics show that between 2 am and 6 am, people who call us are twice as likely to be suicidal. But many have to wait over 30 minutes to get through to a Samaritan.
We are planning to expand our cover at night and looking for volunteers who can do a shift from midnight – 6 am once a month.
 
We’re looking for volunteers to:

Provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Provide such support by telephone, email, web chat and whatever other means of communication may be adopted by Samaritans.
 

Key responsibilities:

To provide confidential emotional support as above
To uphold Samaritans’ Mission, Vision & Values & Policies & Procedures
To complete regular volunteering duties, including overnight duties, as agreed
To support fellow Samaritan volunteers during shared duties
To debrief with duty Leader after each shift
To liaise with duty Leader in respect of difficult or emergency situations or when in doubt
To follow instructions given by duty Leader or Director
To maintain caller log sheets and/or systems as required by the branch
To undertake continuous development training

 
We’re looking for volunteers with the following qualities:

Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
To be able to actively listen without prejudice
To be able to communicate clearly with callers and branch volunteers
Ability to deal sensitively with all callers, including vulnerable people, those with mental health issues and children, as necessary
Able to follow procedures and maintain systems
Ability to recognise the need for support (in themselves and others) and to seek or provide support where necessary
Awareness of own emotional triggers and can cope with own feelings
Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Samaritans values
Listening volunteers should be 18 or over upon completion of their training.

 
Timings:
We ask Night Owls to complete a minimum of one night shift per month – 12 midnight to 6am.

 
Location, Travel and Expenses:

Based at the branch on Oxford Rd, Manchester
All out-of-pocket expenses related to the role will be reimbursed in line with Branch Expenses Policy

 
Benefits:

A chance for personal development
Access to a thorough training programme
Contribute and share existing skills
Develop new listening and communication skills you can use in all aspects of your life
Meet new people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures
Give something back to your local community

 
Recruitment and Selection Process

Completion of a Samaritans application form
Attendance and successful selection at an interview
The offer of a listening volunteer position is conditional on the completion of;

Background checks; including references and enhanced criminal records check
Completion of initial CORE training
Period of mentoring and Embedding

Successful completion of a probationary period before becoming a full branch volunteer

 
If you think you have what it takes, please contact us to join us for our next information event. Can you help us be here when we’re needed most?