Probationary Samaritan

[BlueInkk]

I’ve recently become a Probationary Samaritan and on Tuesday it will be my first shift without my mentor. I’m feeling slightly terrified and hope I’ll be ok. The training was good and I know my stuff, I just hope I’ll be ok on my own.

Has anyone gone through similar? Any tips you can share?

As far as I know you should not be advertising the fact you are a Samaritan. Good on you for being one but I don't think this is the right place to be asking for advice.
Go back to your mentor if you are worried.

yes OP, long time ago now tho. you'll be fine, just remember what you've learnt and practised and remember nerves are just a sign you want to do well

do reach out to the people on your shift and your mentor to let them know you're nervous.

I'm not aware of any reason op can't admit being a Samaritan, she can advise anyone who posts on here for support to use the service, she's not talking about callers or breaching trust etc

Thank you. I think that’s it, I want to do well, just wish my nerves would settle.

I’m not at risk of divulging any information, and can post as I like.

the nerves are good, get the adrenaline going a little. hopefully you'll get one meaningful call and then it'll all fall into place

She’s not ‘advertising the fact.’ She’s speaking generically on an anonymous forum.

You’ll be fine OP. A couple of members of my family have been involved with the Samaritans, including with the training aspect. You’re doing a great thing ❤️

I'm also a new Samaritan. Remember that you got through the recruitment, training and mentoring because lots of people think you're ready and able to do this. And remember all the support network around you - whoever's on shift with you, your mentor, your shift leader and the group you trained with. Everyone's there to support you (and you're there to support them too!). You don't have to rush in the door and take the first call on the dot when your shift starts, take your time until you're ready to go.

And don't give advice 😆

It's fine. I used to be one and various people knew. The main thing is not to discuss the content of any specific call with anyone outside of the Sams.

I remember being terrified for the first few shifts, I was maybe lucky that my first few calls weren't too difficult but hearing the phone ring always gives you a bit of nerves.

I was told that if it becomes routine or if you are blase about the calls, that's the time to leave.

Hello! I was a Sam and now work on another helpline. It's good and natural to be a bit nervous as you don't know what to expect but you will be fine. Two things really helped me:

1. Your role is to listen not talk so you don't have too worry about saying the right thing - just create a safe space for the caller to share.
2. It's a cliche but people remember how you made them feel not what you said. If your empathy and supportiveness comes through then you are doing brilliantly

Good luck !

I did it for a few years over ten years ago. Was so nervous at first but it was fine. We also had face-to-face callers. You’ll be great!

Would agree with taking your time before you take a call - but don't wait too long otherwise it can be hard to take the plunge!