Listener

Listening Post is a Christian based voluntary organisation, volunteers do not have to be Christians but respectful of the organisations ethos. We aim to be available and accessible to all people as often as possible, to provide a safe haven and enable people to recognise their own value, to accept people as they are and not try to change them, but to stay alongside them in times of need.

After training, which requires commitment to our course run on several Saturdays, volunteers usually commit to a fortnightly three hour session as a Listener on one of the days we are open. Sometimes the commitment is one and a half hours weekly instead.

The sessions are held in the church foyer. There are 10 listeners who operate in pairs.Trained listeners are available to offer welcome and support to anyone in need of a listening ear or wishing to discuss a particular problem or anxiety.Trained listeners are available to offer welcome and support to anyone in need of a listening ear or wishing to discuss a particular problem or anxiety.

Listening Post, at Brunswick church (next to Fenwicks)

Listening Post is open just one day a week, on Monday 10.30 to 12.30, and 1pm to 3pm

Skills

• Patient
• Encouraging
• Non-judgmental
• Able to interpret subtle signs
• Show an interest without colluding or patronising

• Be an active listener