Want to make a difference? Sign up for Buxton Samaritans

Could you support people who are struggling to cope and need someone to turn to?  If so, Samaritans of Buxton and High Peak are looking for volunteers. 

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans respond to a call for help.  Every 90 minutes, someone dies by suicide. Suicidal feelings were expressed during 1 in 4 calls for help.  Talking saves lives.  To be a Samaritans listener is to offer an extremely valuable service.

Some callers who are finding life hard have no one there for them.  People often feel at their lowest in the middle of the night when it feels as if everyone else is asleep.  Samaritans are there 24/7 every day of the year.  Being able to talk to someone about their feelings can help callers find a way through. 

Other people who feel as if everything is too much may have loving families and supportive friends. They may not want to open up to them for fear of upsetting or burdening them.  They may not want to talk about difficult areas.  They may prefer talking to a stranger. Could you be that caring stranger?

What do Samaritans look for in a potential volunteer?  Basically, you need to be a humane human being, who is empathetic, open-minded and not judgmental.   You will be a good listener, giving callers a chance to talk about what is going on in their lives, without jumping in to ‘fix’ things or to offer advice.

Angie Mellor, Director of Buxton and High Peak Samaritans, said: "Please join our team and help people change their lives for the better.  We will train, mentor and support you all the way.’  She added: ‘We take our volunteering very seriously but we also provide opportunities for social activities and fun.  We are a friendly bunch."

John Harris, Team Leader for Recruitment, is really pleased he took the step to apply to volunteer: "I’ve been a listening volunteer for 2 years and have found the role immensely rewarding. Why not join us at Buxton?  You can apply via the link at samaritans.org/volunteer.  Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat, email me with your phone number at [email protected] and I will give you a call."