Volunteering for the Samaritans - good or bad thing?

[crazycara]

Am I totally in over my head, because of the way I'm feeling right now?

x

[Gambit62]

It never does any harm to try. I think they have quite a strong induction program so if they don't feel it is appropriate then that should catch it.

[crazycara in reply to Gambit62]

I guess so! I never really thought about that haha x

[Hidden]

Hello BOB here

Think hard regards this, initially try a Mental Health Walk in Centre first, or a Dementia Centre.

You will see patients with the same problems, that are generally on their best behaviour. Eventually you will learn how to guide people that has not the same urgency as the Samaritans

All the best

BOB

[crazycara in reply to Hidden]

Yeah, I'm just having a look around really, I really want to help and volunteer with similar people to help them, tbh I just typed in counselling volunteering and it came up. I'll have a look at your other suggestions too, thank you x

[Gambit62 in reply to Hidden]

Just wanted to say - albeit belatedly what brilliant suggestion I think this is, BOB - it's an opportunity to get away from the university and some of the cliquishness and also to give something back to the community that surrounds the university - particularly if it is a campus university.

[ThemysciraDrive]

How you feel doesn't necessarily affect your ability to help others - just look at this site

One thing that struck me - if it's the Samaritans, chances are you'll be dealing with people in a moment of crisis all the time. That can be a big emotional drain.

I imagine the University has a counselling service - maybe they would have some ideas of where you could look to volunteer?

[crazycara in reply to ThemysciraDrive]

That's a point, but I don't think the University services could help me on that area. Maybe if I spoke to someone in the union? I'll have a look at RAG (our volunteering area), some great advice on here thanks x

[Anxietyang]

Hi, I have also thought about volunteering and in some ways the Samaritans is an obvious choice. Had you considered another volunteer position rather than the direct type? I had a look the other day and there were quite a few in my area from health and safety advisor, to shop assistant, to book sorter. Maybe once in you could get a better view of what it takes. Alternatively there is the charity 'MIND' the have day centres etc where you can help just cooking or helping people with IT skills. Just a thought. x

[crazycara in reply to Anxietyang]

Thank you! I will definitely have a look at this x

[Hidden]

eHello BOB here

No doubt here you want to help the problem you have is that when dealing with people in crisis the stress can be be severe. Here you can talk to like minded people you can share your emotions. In a crisis centre this is not possible.

When talking in crisis it will be listening, you will not be able to discuss a life problem with them you are dealing with a very ill person.who has reached the end

When you work as a volunteer in a mental health centre the situation is different, you are mixing with those people who have mental health problems like your own. You start like here and begin the know the centre members and you will associate with them and learn where people with a real mixture of problems are coming from You will be able to associate with them and learn the weaknesses associated with there conditions

On the phone you are dealing cold, you will not know where the person is coming from you are there to talk down the persons mood. You really have to learn that. You will learn that when in a centre

When in a centre, the situation is quite novel a form of truce forms between members and others. You are learning straight not like here where the person is a post you see the person as a discussion group that gives support and understanding. When you feel stress or other associated feelings you can leave the page, in a centre you may leave the centre and return, with the Samaritans you are stuck. All you can do is hand across to another volunteer.

So in short learn in a relaxed environment with people who are suffering as you so you will relate. Making cups of tea etc you are sitting with members and learning. Eventually the listening etc will come naturally, then if you still want to do the Samaritens fair enough

Please walk before you run.

I still have contact with the centre, many are friends so when I need to go down I will make a time too visit so the counciling becomes like a conversation with people and members

All the best

BOB .