As part of its ongoing mission to provide support to those in need, SOS Détresse is calling on volunteers to join its team and assist with phone, email, and chat-based services.
Every year, SOS Détresse conducts approximately 4,000 conversations with individuals in need of support. Now, the organisation is seeking volunteers.
Whether it's loneliness, the need for a conversation partner, or other forms of assistance, SOS Détresse offers a range of services aimed at fulfilling people's desire for meaningful interaction.
Starting in 2025, SOS Détresse will offer a new basic training course in Luxembourgish for volunteers. Due to the fact that some volunteers leave for various reasons, ongoing recruitment and training are essential to ensure the organisation can continue to provide help. In addition to its professional services, SOS Détresse relies on volunteers to meet the diverse needs of those seeking support.
After completing training, volunteers will take on 4-hour shifts, during which they will provide individual support via phone, email, or chat, assisting people with their personal challenges.
However, recruiting volunteers can be challenging. While many individuals express interest, the organisation emphasises that it is important for both the volunteer and the organisation to be a good fit. Dr Jessica Levy, a psychologist at SOS Détresse, explained to our colleagues from RTL Radio that the training and subsequent work are "time-consuming and emotionally intensive."
Volunteers must be genuinely committed and willing to engage with the demands of the role. To ensure a proper fit, SOS Détresse conducts personal introductory interviews before volunteers begin their work.
Dr Levy stressed that it is crucial to attract as many interested individuals as possible in order to identify those who are best suited to the role.
She emphasised that potential volunteers should not be discouraged from applying, as age is not a significant factor. "Anyone who enjoys listening, is interested in people, and wants to be there for others is welcome to apply. No prior experience is required," Dr Levy explained. The comprehensive training is designed to thoroughly prepare volunteers for their roles, whether it involves phone calls or online support. "Whether you're 30 or 60, just starting your career or nearing retirement, anyone with a genuine interest in helping people is encouraged to come forward," she said.
However, Dr Levy also highlighted that the role requires a commitment of time and an openness to addressing a wide range of issues. During the basic training, volunteers not only learn about psychological techniques and how to engage with people in crisis but also gain personal insights. The training spans about a year and a half, with sessions typically held on Wednesday evenings.
The training programme will begin on 1 February 2025, and information sessions have been running since the end of October. Interested individuals can email benevolat@sosdetresse.lu for more details.
SOS Détresse's helpline operates daily from 11am to 11pm (with extended hours from 11am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays) and is available in Luxembourgish, German, and French. Every Wednesday, the helpline also offers services in English. Volunteers respond to emails in Luxembourgish, German, French, English, or Portuguese within three working days, and are available via chat on Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm.
