So many ways to volunteer

Our confidential, 24-hour listening service, which never judges people, is at the heart of Samaritans - and there are many ways to contribute. By working together with the shared desire to help people experiencing emotional distress our 17,000 volunteers make sure that our 202 branches are well-organised and supportive places to spend time. There are plenty of social activities too!

Your branch plays a critical role where you live, helping local people who are struggling to cope with difficult and sometimes overwhelming emotions. It benefits by belonging to one of the most respected national charities in the UK. We provide an ongoing training to help you develop your interests and skills, and use award-winning new communications technology.

Everyone has it in them to be a Samaritan volunteer. To touch another person's life when it really matter, either by discussing their feelings with them directly, or by keeping our branches running so others can. Say ‘yes’ to joining us, and we'll be behind you all the way with the training and backup you need.

If you volunteer as a ‘listener’ during the day, or at night, you'll develop the confidence and precious know-how to turn your natural instinct to want to help someone in difficulty into positive, sometimes life-changing support by phone, email, text message, letter, even face to face.

Support Volunteer

If you would like to be involved with Samaritans, but don't feel you could be a telephone volunteer you could consider becoming a Support Volunteer. This role is equally important and can be very rewarding as you help your local branch run smoothly and play a key role in keeping our vital service open. You can work behind the scenes in an administrative capacity, help maintain the building, or you can be involved in the many aspects of Samaritans Outreach work, such as; going into to schools and colleges as part our Outreach Team, attending Public Awareness Events or by working with local media to promote our branch and Samaritans through advertising, press releases and interviews.

If you would like to find out more about the many aspects of Samaritans please come to one of our information evenings, on one of the following Wednesdays; from 7.30pm to 9.15pm.

You can let us know that you are planning to attend one of our Information Evenings, and which areas of Samaritans you are interested in, by completeting our Information Evening Attendance Form here.

If you are still interested in becoming a Samaritan after attending an information evening you will be invited to attend a selection/interview session on one of the dates below. These are held on Tuesdays; from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

If you are successful with your interview you will be invited to start training with us. The dates and times are below.

If you are planning to attending an information evening then please complete our Information Evening Attendance Form here and let us know.
Thank you.