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

[loopylou6]

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Thats a good idea too Pixie

ridiculous

Agree with Lulumama

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

ah, no
unless it's for style and beauty

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

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

hello hello
is that the s and B samaritans?

yes

right i have the following:
Jaunty scarf
jeggings
wedge shoes
biker boots
interstingknitwear
a hammer
a pussycat bow blouse

what can i wear?

ehhh... why do you need to do a certain number of posts to be able to help someone...??

Wbat sort of queries would the helpline answer..I cant think of a query that couldnt be answered on the net . maybe I am missing the point

oh yes on that basis i can help wiht breast feeding

not

Although I wouldn't say it was 'ridiculous' SherriHewsonsNipple unsuitable would be a better term.

no its ridiculous

stop making me lol

Ridiculous because I thought of a way to possibly help people? I find you rude. Other Mums netters who have not agreed with my idea have not felt the need to call me 'ridiculous'

I think it would detract from MN, because surely MN is somewhere where they can already get advice, no need for a seperate medium surely?

I sorta thought it would be more personal for those in need of support, actually having a RL 'voice' to talk too

actually the biggest problem is that there are posters on here , who have been here over a year, who I would not trust with my remote control.

Seriously.Have you read some of the posts on here? How can everyone on an open website possibly be suitable to give any kind of advice simply by virtue of having hung around a year

caller : my DH just said he would like to go out with his friend tonight.
MN counsellor : bin him, kick him out, wanker

Caller: my DD is being a handful at the moment
MN counsellor: smack her or she won't respect you.

on the site you get a range of views and those views are challenged and discussed. You often get a concensus.
With a caller you get one view. Bad idea.
But well intentioned.