FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about volunteering with SOS:
What is it like to be an SOS volunteer?Tiring, hard work, regular commitment but most rewarding and fulfilling!
SOS volunteers listen - but do not give advice, criticise or judge. Besides listening to people in crisis, we offer callers on-going emotional support, where appropriate, until they can manage without us.
How much time do I have to give?
As an SOS volunteer, you will be required to do 1 duty per week (approximately 3 – 4 hours each time), and 1 overnight duty per month.
We also require you to be available for emergency stand-by once a month, and to attend at least 1 skills-upgrading training session provided by SOS every year.
Will my family get involved?
The support of those close to you is invaluable. However, SOS work is strictly confidential, and apart from your immediate family, you will not be able to share your SOS involvement with anyone who is not a current SOS volunteer. What qualifications are required?
We are looking for ordinary people over 23 years of age, who are not afraid of talking about suicide, can commit to regular volunteer duties, and who can be depended upon to be totally confidential and remain anonymous as SOS volunteers.
Can I join if I'm not a Singaporean?
We welcome volunteers from all nationalities but they have to be conversant in English. As with all other volunteers, we expect that they can commit for at least 2 years upon completion of the volunteer training programme.
How will I be selected?
After you have submitted your Volunteer Registration Form, you may be invited to attend an informal selection interview with our staff. It will be a chance for us to get to know you better as a person, as well as to clarify any questions you may have regarding the volunteer work at SOS.
What's the training like?
A potential volunteer is required to go through a 1-year training programme. Trainees are required to attend all training sessions.
Do you accept everyone who applies to join?
We are looking for a match between the potential volunteer and the kind of work we expect here in SOS. However, we also recognise that not everyone is suited to the SOS style of volunteering, because of their work or time commitments. So if we feel that someone is not a right fit for SOS work, we will let them know.
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