Peer Listening Program

Peer listeners who have gone through proper training can provide a number of services to the community, such as serving as an available ear to assist in problem-solving or providing referrals to professionals. Peer listeners drawn from local communities are more often trusted than outsiders because they better understand the community and its relationship to the disaster.

Criteria for Volunteers:

• Background Checks
• Must be 18 yo and above, underage may require consent from the legal guardian
• Compassion and Empathy: Helpline volunteers should have a genuine desire to help others and be empathetic towards callers' concerns and struggles.
• Active Listening Skills: Being able to listen actively and attentively is crucial for understanding callers' issues and providing appropriate support.
• Non-Judgmental Attitude: Volunteers should be non-judgmental and open-minded, creating a safe and supportive space for callers to express themselves.
• Emotional Resilience: Dealing with callers in distress can be emotionally challenging, so volunteers need to have the emotional resilience to cope with difficult situations.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for providing helpful and clear guidance to callers.

The benefits of training:

• Crisis Intervention Training: For helplines that deal with crisis situations, volunteers may need to undergo specialized training to handle emergencies and provide crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of Helpline Services: Volunteers should be familiar with the services the helpline offers and be able to provide information about available resources or referrals when necessary.
• Boundaries and Confidentiality: Understanding and maintaining boundaries with callers is crucial, as is respecting the confidentiality of the information shared during the call.
• Adaptability: Comprehensive training will be provided for volunteers to ensure they are well-prepared to handle various situations.
• Availability: Helplines often require volunteers to commit to specific shifts or hours of availability, as consistency and reliability are essential for maintaining a reliable service.