A qualitative study exploring the experience and motivations of UK Samaritan volunteers: “Why do we do it?”

Abstract

A qualitative study exploring the experience and motivations of Samaritan volunteers: "Why do we do it?" Telephone helplines offer a valued service for those in distress. However, little research has explored the experience of helpline volunteers. Through semistructured interviews, in this article we explore the volunteering experiences of nine long-term UK Samaritan volunteers. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Interactionism. The analysis highlighted that this volunteering impacted participants' experience of their sense of self. The decision to volunteer was framed as part of a search for personal meaning, tied to experiences of loss and reparation. They reflected positively on their volunteer identity, but highlighted tensions between a sense of vocation and the experience of care burden. The Samaritan Community also offered a sense of belonging and social support. They experienced involvement as personally meaningful, enabling the construction of a positive self-identity.

Experiences and wellbeing of Samaritans crisis line volunteers in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

“…In line with previous findings, volunteers outlined aspects of the role beneficial to their wellbeing, with respect to personal development and social connectedness (Hector & Aguirre, 2009; Lamb & Cogan, 2016; Mishara & Giroux, 1993; Praetorius & Machtmes, 2005; Smith et al, 2018; Willems et al, 2020). Indeed, the Samaritans community was described as ‘like a family’ and imperative to a supportive environment and successful coping.…”

“…In keeping with prior research, calls were observed to have the potential to elicit a positive or negative emotional response in volunteers, highlighting the spectrum of emotions associated with the role (Kitchingman et al, 2017; Lamb & Cogan, 2016; Middleton et al, 2014; Pollock et al, 2010; Smith et al, 2018; Willems et al, 2020). The volunteers spoke about the changing nature of calls during the pandemic, mirroring trends in other crisis line organisations (Arendt et al, 2020; Batchelor et al, 2021; Joshi et al, 2020).…”

“…As such, this research provides an insight into volunteers in an Irish context which is comparable to the existing knowledge of UK Samaritans volunteers. Additionally, this study builds upon the recommendations of previous work (Smith et al, 2018) in that participants were recruited from multiple branches rather than a single location, serving to capture a range of experiences across different branches and present a more comprehensive understanding.…”

“…Subsequent research presents similar findings: lack of control and doubt exist as stressors, while the social connections and organisational structure and support are important to successful coping, with avoidant coping predictive of negative health outcomes (Lamb & Cogan, 2016; Roche & Ogden, 2017). Most recently, Smith et al (2018) qualitative exploration of UK Samaritans’ experiences suggest that while taking on additional roles within the organisation contributes to a sense of belonging, multiple responsibilities can be a source of stress, with an obligation felt to take on more.…”

Volunteering: A viable alternative work experience for university students?

“…This is confirmed by Haivas et al (2014) who, applying self-determination theory (SDT), recognised the differing needs and therefore motivations of those volunteering. Smith et al (2018) focus on person-centred aspects, such as improving self-esteem, personal wellbeing and life-satisfaction, and Carpenter and Myers (2010) examine altruistic factors, such as wanting to contribute to the wellbeing of others or the community. Gronlund et al (2011) take a wider perspective in examining the influence of national culture on volunteering, while Ling and Chui (2016) concentrate more on the individuals themselves, finding that previous experience of undertaking community or voluntary activities can have a positive influence on volunteering decisions in the future.…”