Volunteering at the heart of our mission
Our service relies on the commitment of volunteers – a valuable resource. In order for every volunteer to offer quality listening support, we provide in-depth training as well as professional and compassionate guidance. Together, we create a safe, respectful, and confidential space for people in distress.
Who can join us?
If you want to join us, the most important requirement is a genuine interest and enthusiasm in caring for other people.
Tolerance and sincerity, interest in psychological issues and the willingness to learn new skills are further attributes you have to meet.
Moreover, anyone interested must be particularly mentally resilient and needs to be available in order to make a regular and binding commitment.
Once a year we recruit new members via the media and we offer interested people the possibility to participate in our training sessions for volunteering at SOS Détresse.
A long-term member describes his motivation behind his work as follows:
“Alone the training was for me an entirely new experience and that in a very nice team. In was the beginning of something very special for me. I would say it was actually for me a key into a strange world with new aspects, which allows me a better understanding of both myself and my fellow men.
After years of voluntary work on the phone I must say that these conversations are an enrichment. This individual on the phone needs a human being, he needs a presence, he needs a voice, so he needs me and… I’m there for him!
If then at the end of a conversation this individual tells me: it was good talking to you, I feel a little better now, then I feel that I have reached out to this human being.”
A solid foundation for a confident commitment
In order for our volunteers to act competently and with confidence, we place great importance on their training.
The Basic Training
Everyone who joins our team undergoes a structured basic training, which forms the foundation of our shared commitment and aims to prepare our future collaborators for the work ahead.
The following topics are developed in courses and discussions:
- Deep knowledge of oneself and others,
- Introduction to psychological counselling,
- Learning key psychological concepts for topics such as addiction, grief, loneliness, etc.
Our approach is based on:
- The principles of person-centered communication according to Carl Rogers,
- The attitudes and models of systemic therapy
- As well as the latest findings in psychological research.
The courses, which last 3 hours, are held once a week (except during school holidays), usually in the evening.
Support during Volunteering
Through regular support, our volunteers can further develop their knowledge:
- In continuing training, collaborators can deepen their psychological knowledge and interview techniques,.
- Group supervision is a space for our volunteers to meet, where they can receive help and advice on any issues that arise during their practice.
- Individual supervision is provided by the professional team as needed, offering support and relief to the volunteers.
Perhaps you are also interested?
Whether you are 30 or 60 years old,
regardless of your background or daily life…
… if you’re interested in joining us, please contact us at: benevolat@sosdetresse.lu.
We look forward to giving you further information and to find out together which commitment would suit you best.