Volunteer with us

Be there for people who need someone

As a listening volunteer you’ll answer calls and messages from people who really need someone to talk to. Listening volunteers aim to do one 3-4 hour shift a week, including one night shift each month.

• You're interested in listening to people going through a tough time
• You're open-minded and non judgemental
• You're able to listen without telling people what to do

We hold regular information sessions in the branch where you'll have the opportunity to learn about life as part of the Cheltenham branch team. These sessions last for around an hour. By meeting and chatting with different people, you'll be able to ask questions, find out more about volunteering with our branch, the training we provide, and explore whether being a Samaritan is right for you.

Training to be a Samaritan

Training is held on a Tuesday evening (6:30pm-9:30pm) over a 7 week period. There are also digital modules which need to be completed between in-branch training sessions. Following training you would then start calls as a Samaritan with a dedicated mentor to provide support.

During 2024 we are holding three training programmes for new Samaritans. These training sessions are now full.

During 2025, there will be 3 training programmes commencing on 4th March, 24th June and 14th October.

Register your interest in becoming a Samaritan

We will hold our next information sessions on 4th December 2024, 16th January 2025 and 26th February 2025 at 7:30pm to support our next set of training programmes.

Follow the link below to register your interest for these future information sessions. Register to become a listening volunteer or for more information, email us: [email protected].

Our branch is at Victoria House, Back Albert Place, Cheltenham, GL52 2HN. Please note that there is no parking on site (the parking spaces are reserved for volunteers on shift).

Please note that due to the nature of volunteering at Samaritans we are not able to offer short term placements or work experience.