Volunteering for Suicide Counselling?
Question:
How do I volunteer my time to those who would benefit from some counselling help?
How can I volunteer as just someone to talk to?
Where are the groups local to me? (Falkirk, in Central Scotland)
What else do I need to know before I do so?
So many of our youngsters are choosing to end their lives rather than seek help to find a way through the morass of their problems. If I am to be of any assistance to them, I need your assistance to get me started.
Thank you in advance
Answers:
1. There is training to work helplines. Don't think for a minute that helplines just allow anyone to give advice or work with no training.
2. You need to question yourself as to why you want to do this sort of work. I'm serious about this part. It takes a lot of energy to be around people who are on the verge of killing themselves. It isn't just a case of having good intentions then trying to save the world. This sort of work has a way of draining the person doing the work. You have to do some searching within yourself as to the motivation.
3. Remember that you cannot "save the world" so it is best to be realistic as to how much you can accomplish as far as helping goes. I write this because your words sound a bit whimsical and not very realistic.
4. Contact the Samaritans. There will be a chapter in your area or you can phone their national hotline and then be directed. They will be able to get you started and explain to you pretty much (maybe in less direct words) what I've written to you.
Have you considered getting in touch with 'The Samaritans' they are always looking for recruits, especially in helping young people to cope with problems.
Is this helpful? Sorry, I live in the States. This is the only overseas helpline I know of.
http://www.samaritans.org.uk/support/vol...
I think the first thing to do is get in touch with the Samaritan's and have a chat to them as they are always looking for recruits and they may also know of some counselling groups in your local area.
try this site as it may help;
http://www.youngscot.org/channels/volunt...
Good luck I used to do volunteering work many years ago with young people and it is very rewarding.
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