Face-to-face conversations return at Samaritans in Luton
In-person meetings had been put to a halt during the pandemic
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
A charity helping those experiencing mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts in Luton has reopened its doors for face-to-face appointments.
The Luton branch of Samaritans aims to offer a more personal interaction for those who may struggle to communicate over the phone or through written correspondence.
Pre COVID-19 pandemic, Samaritans offered both drop-in and appointment-based face-to-face support.
Larry Redmond, Branch Director and volunteer at Samaritans in Luton, said: "I think the main appeal is is that sometimes people find a struggle to talk on the phone, they want a 'real' person to talk to and when you come and you sit with someone in the room like we are at the moment."
"They can relate better to that individual than they may be able to this voice on the phone."
Mr Redmond emphasised the importance of face-to-face communication, noting that it allows for a deeper connection and understanding between volunteers and callers.
While turning up at the branch for a conversation will not be possible due to volunteer capacity, an appointment booking system has been put in place to ensure undivided attention from trained volunteers while providing the guarantee of a phone and face-to-face service.
Mr Redmond highlighted the additional training required to effectively communicate nonverbally and empathetically during in-person sessions.
He said: "When you talk about communication, the bulk of communication between two people is actually the body language, and we're very careful of being empathetic, caring and considerate and not being judgmental."
"People have to recognise that the manner in which they approach a conversation has to be recognising that their the whole of them are communicating with the other person, and that takes some additional training on top of the training, the listening volunteer normally undergo."
"But what we find is those volunteers who are willing to do it and the training we give them puts them in a really good place to be able to be empathetic and there for the individuals."
Feedback from previous users has been positive, with many expressing gratitude for the personalized support received during face-to-face appointments.
Julie, a listening volunteer, said: "Just speaking very personally as a listening volunteer, I love it when it's face to face because I can really see what people are feeling and and get some insight into what their deepest thoughts are by just sitting opposite someone and really being with them in the moment, and that seems to me to be very important."
Julie also works in the community to help people understand the role of the charity and encourage those needing support to reach out to them, while raising awareness of Samaritans' services over the phone, on their pilot online chatbox, and now in person.
Both emphasised on the need for volunteers to help sustain the vital helplines and services they provide.
You can find out more about the charity and support available on their website.