DEALING WITH FEELINGS

Dealing with feelings Q1 At what age can you become a volunteer? SAMARITANS QUIZ Q3 How else might callers contact Samaritans? Q2 Can people visit as well as telephone? You do need to be over 18 to be a listening volunteer for Samaritans. Some support roles can be done under 18, so it's worth enquiring at your branch what vacancies they have. There is no upper age limit. Yes, people can visit some of our branches. Many branches offer facilities for you to come into the branch and talk to a volunteer face to face if you find it easier. Check your local branch information to see if it offers this service. It's best to phone ahead to make sure a volunteer is definitely available, and to let them know you are coming. Via , letter or text.

Dealing with feelings SAMARITANS QUIZ Q6 Do they hang up on hoax calls? Q5 Will Samaritans call you back? Q4 Can Samaritans trace calls? No. Our service is designed so that we can’t see your phone number or address when you contact us. The only way we’ll know your contact details is if you give them to us. Yes they can if you are happy to give out your phone number they can call you back. Samaritans listen to every person that calls and assumes that every call is genuine as it may take some time for people to find the words they need to say so the Samaritan will wait and listen and will never presume a call is a hoax.

Dealing with feelings Q7 Do people have to be suicidal to call? Q8 Are Samaritans trained for the work? SAMARITANS QUIZ Q9 Are all calls confidential? Q10 Who is likely to contact Samaritans? No. Talk to Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Yes. All listeners have gone through a training and selection process. Yes, they don’t share anything you say, or any personal or contact details, with anyone, including the police, health or social services. Anyone who is going through a difficult time can contact Samaritans, day or night.

Dealing with feelings Q13 When can you call Samaritans? Q12 Do police ask Samaritans for information? Q11 Do Samaritans give advice? No, Samaritans do not give advice. They won’t tell you what to do, as you are the expert in your own life. If you want specific advice, they may be able to give you contact details for organisations that specialise in helping with a problem you may have. The only times Samaritans would give information to the police is if they receive a court order requiring them to share information, if they receive a call about acts of terrorism or bomb warnings or if you threaten the safety of the volunteers. You can call Samaritans any time, round the clock, day or night, 365 days a year. SAMARITANS QUIZ