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The Samaritans offer a befriending service, in groups, from centres all over the country. The Samaritans are most definitely a non-competitive activity.
Location
Throughout the country.
Age
Normally any one over the age of 18 years can apply to join.
Ability
There are no physical restrictions to becoming a Samaritan. If accepted after an interview a prospective volunteer is invited to join a preparation course, which is one night a week for 8 weeks, after that there is a probationary period of 6 months.
Description
The Samaritans offer befriending and emotional support to those who are for what ever reason going through a crisis in their lives, especially to those who have reached such a state of unhappiness that they are considering committing suicide. Samaritans do not advise or make judgements, and what ever a caller says is said in confidence.
Dedication
Along with other volunteers, volunteers normally do a weekly 4 hour duty at the centre answering telephones and talking with callers to the centre. They also do an overnight duty at the centre once a month to answer the telephone.
Potential
None.
Closely
Related Activities
None.
Further
Reading
The Samaritans in the ninties by Chad Varah.
Cost
Volunteers give their time and effort freely, there is no charge to join the Samaritans.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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