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Original poster

I think it would be a good idea to start a Mumsnet voluntary help line

38 replies

loopylou6 · 21/01/2010 17:11

I don't know quite how it would work, but I was thinking members of Mumsnet who have been a member for over a year and who have submitted a certain number of posts, could volunteer to man phone lines, sort of like a Samaritan thing?

Thoughts?

OP posts:
LauraIngallsWilder · 21/01/2010 17:22

I agree with hula

And also with SherriHewson and her nipple! - As it is mn gets invaded by timewasters and trolls, a phone line would as well

Samaritans, parent helplines etc do a good job at this - MNetters best bet is to offer advice to people who want it and suggest they call a helpline for professional advice

Any MNetter who wants to offer professional advice could work for the samaritans etc

Original poster
loopylou6 · 21/01/2010 17:22

Thanks for the comments people, Maybe its a crap idea after all then

OP posts:
Ronaldinhio · 21/01/2010 17:21

ah, no
unless it's for style and beauty

bibbitybobbityhat · 21/01/2010 17:20

Erm ... I think it is a terrible idea.

notnowbernard · 21/01/2010 17:20

Agree with Lulumama

SherriHewsonsNipple · 21/01/2010 17:18

ridiculous

Original poster
loopylou6 · 21/01/2010 17:18

Thats a good idea too Pixie

OP posts:
belgo · 21/01/2010 17:18

That's not really the point of mumsnet though.

I think it would be hard to make it work - the volunteers would have to be specially trained and mumsnet would be held accountable.

Lulumama · 21/01/2010 17:16

although i think it is a lovely sentiment, i don;t think it is practical or workable

you would have to vet everyone, know their qualifications or experience

samaritans are trained, and have mentors surely, i don't think your average MNer would cope with a suicidal , depressed stranger phoning them for help in the middle of the night, the responsibility is immense

what would be more helpful would be a page of links to samaritans, how to access emergency psych services etc

Hulababy · 21/01/2010 17:16

I think it would then move away from MNs real purpose and make it something it is not. MN isn't a counselling service.

There are some very good, very effective help lines already out there that can and do help many people every year.

MN members should be referred to these wherever necessary IMO.

LoveBeingAMummy · 21/01/2010 17:15

Its a great idea, only pronblems is they are then responsible for the advice whereas they aren't on here.

PixieOnaLeaf · 21/01/2010 17:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

llareggub · 21/01/2010 17:13

Why reinvent the wheel though? The Samaritans are well-known, have good infrastructure etc. What would be the purpose of the helpline?

Sorry to be negative but I can't see why Mumsnet would or should do this.

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