The Samaritans Hong Kong
What it means to be a listening volunteer
Giving time to protect a person's voice
Listening volunteers support people who are experiencing emotional distress, loneliness or despair by telephone. Their role is not to solve another person's life, but to provide a sincere and safe conversation when it is needed most.
Every shift brings different experiences. Volunteers remain open, respect difference and learn to stay patiently alongside people through silence and uncertainty.
Training and growth
Before joining the service, volunteers go through selection and structured training in listening skills, crisis awareness, boundaries and confidentiality.
They continue to receive guidance and peer support throughout their service, developing their listening through reflection.
Ordinary people can offer remarkable support
Volunteers may not have every answer, but being willing to stay, listen attentively and respect another person can make a profound difference in a difficult moment.
It is a service that carries responsibility, and a journey of learning to understand both ourselves and others.
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