What do Samaritans do

You can volunteer at Reading Samaritans and really help others.Could you be a volunteer?

Consider this.

A young and healthy man wants to kill himself.

Do you tell him he has everything to live for?

If you're not sure how to answer, then we really want to hear from you.

Your local branch needs people with the ability to listen, without passing judgement. You don't need formal qualifications or previous experience, but a natural ability to listen and remain open minded are essential skills. You must be over 18.

What skills are useful to be a volunteer?Samaritan volunteers come from all walks of life. They are people who:

* are good listeners

* question gently, tactfully - without intruding

* encourage people to tell their own story in their own time and space

* try not to offer advice and instead offer confidential emotional support

* always try to see the other point of view