Volunteering Opportunity: VO47225

• Listening Volunteer
  with Samaritans of Kirkcaldy & District.

  Created/last updated: 27/05/2021

  
  

  About this opportunity:	Volunteering with Samaritans can change someone's life  •  Giving a listening ear to people in distress can help them through the most difficult time in their lives  •  You will receive training which helps you develop as an individual and prepares volunteers to give emotional support to those experiencing distress in their lives such as; divorce, bereavement, unemployment, disability, mental health issues and bullying to name but a few  •  The Samaritans know that giving distressed people time to talk about their own particular issues, listening to them whilst being non-judgmental and in complete confidence, can help relieve some of that distress  •  Their vision is to help reduce the number of suicides in the UK as they are available for contact by those in distress 24/7 every day of the year  •  They can be contacted by phone, email, text and letter and also face to face within branches  •  Their training prepares volunteers to support people in any of these contacts  •  Many of their volunteers say it is the most satisfying work they have done  •  All interested parties should go to the Samaritans website for details on how to sign up https://www  • samaritans  • org/scotland/support-us/volunteer/
  Takes place:	mornings afternoons evenings Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays Sundays
  Minimum age:	18
  Maximum age:	80
  Training provided:	Samaritans Initial Training takes place over approximately 8 weeks. First 2 modules delivered over one day, usually a Saturday. Further modules delivered over the next few weeks in the evening 6-9pm. Then a period of mentoring takes place.
  Out of pocket expenses paid?	Yes - Mileage rates are paid at 40p per mile. Public transport is also paid. Volunteers can claim weekly, monthly or three monthly.
  Experience required:	The Samaritans seek volunteers who can be empathetic, able to listen, understand confidentiality, can be part of a team and non-judgemental. They train volunteers how to best use the skills they have and to develop new skills. No experience is required.
  Restrictions on who can volunteer	Some adult life experience is felt important.
  Application process:	Application Form; Induction/Training; Informal Chat; Interview; References; Trial Period; Police Check
  Taster available?	No, not for this opportunity.
  Travel Details	Samaritans' work takes place in their branch at 246 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2DB. Training takes place in the same venue.
  Saltire Award	This opportunity is compatible with the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12-25.