Just Curious

[nailit]

How many people here have ever used the Samaritans? And have they ever been of any real help?

(Im not looking towards phoning them or in need of any help thanks, just a curious question)

[murraymints]

as maggie said.. it can be, and was, a very big commitment, not made lightly... looking back I am quite proud as I know there were a few that I stopped from taking that final leap...as they did call back to say thank you...if one person can save just one other..then it is all worthwhile and worth the time and effort...

[hellywelly4]

I was a Samaritan in the late 70s early 80s. Everyone took it very seriously, so I'm surprised at the bad experiences some of you have had. It's a wonderful service founded by Chad Varah who was appalled that a young woman had committed suicide when her periods started.

[hellywelly4]

Further to my previous post, I was always told we should never reveal that we were or had been Sams. On here it's ok as it's anonymous, but I have never told any of my friends, so anyone who puts that fact on a CV has NOT been a Samaritan.

[naomi24]

Some rather questionable advice has been given by those who claim to have undergone such intensive training – but that aside the Samaritans do a good job. To answer the question, I’ve dealt with the organisation quite a bit in a professional capacity, but on a personal level I’ve never had need of their services.

[Baldric]

/// that's a bit of an insult to genuine volunteeres balders ///

Why? it does not refer to genuine volunteers.
Read Number 5 in Dougs link @ 00:59, you may understand

[maggiebee]

Times have changed hellywelly4 - when I joined we did not tell anyone (even our families) that we were Samaritans. This changed a few years ago and now, because we are proud to be volunteers in this wonderful organisation, we can shout it from the rooftops. We also train students who might only be with us for a couple of years before moving on and they are encouraged to put it on their CVs. We also use emails and texts which were unheard of when I joined. Just acknowledging that not everyone is happy about speaking on the telephone.

[murraymints]

I told my oh that I was volunteering with a drugs charity..he never knew..still doesn't...

[horselady]

I rang them years ago during a bad time. The chap I spoke to/sobbed to was amazing, just listened and spoke when he thought it was relevant. Still remember him almost 40 years later.

[Mamyalynne]

Sometimes just knowing there's someone who'll listen is what we need.

[Denton]

Rang them once,I was so boring they hung up!!