Briefing with fellow frontline charity.
At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we put a high priority on training. At this week’s Banstead volunteers and staff meeting we welcomed Paul from Samaritans Leatherhead.
At the heart of his service is ‘active listening’. People contact the 24-hour service by email, text and drop-in as well as phone (a new free line, 116 123, is now live). Volunteers don’t advise or judge but support people to make their own decisions.
Samaritans and Citizens Advice share a key characteristic: we’re here for everyone who needs us.
Paul points to their unique offer of “talk about whatever’s getting to you”. We recognise that – our advice service works at the same primary-care level.
There are other similarities.
We’re both currently very busy. And outreach is important. Samaritans train prisoners to help other prisoners, go to music festivals and focus on vulnerable groups. We also tailor support for many groups, including prisoners, older people, and those with mental health problems.
Samaritans see Citizens Advice as “experts in practical support”. Thanks Paul! and for adding to our knowledge in a really useful session.