Drop in and safeguard your wellbeing with “The Listening Project”

 Drop-in sessions which will give all staff based in Norwich the chance to talk to a trained Samaritan and get impartial support and signposting will launch this Thursday (24 February).

Each week, two volunteers from the Samaritans will visit our Norwich HQ to welfare staff and offer support for a range of issues, including both personal and professional concerns. They will be on hand from 6pm to 10pm every Thursday night and any member of staff who is based in Norwich is welcome to drop in regardless of whether they are on shift or not, including call handlers, dispatchers and clinical and support staff.

Called “The Listening Project”, the initiative is the brainchild of regional recruitment lead Rob Hazell. Initially it will run as a pilot until the end of May, but it is hoped that it will prove so beneficial that it will continue permanently after that date, while also being rolled out to our other HQs.

“Working in the ambulance service can be busy and stressful, and some of our colleagues have to deal with difficult and upsetting situations every single day,” said Rob. “That is why it is especially important for us all to take steps to look after our mental health and safeguard our wellbeing.

“The Listening Project will give any colleague based in Norwich the chance to speak to a specially-trained Samaritan and share any worries or concerns they may have. This could be anything which is causing them to feel a certain way and could include work disagreements or a difficult shift, as well as family problems, anxieties or relationship issues.

“We want people to be given the chance to start talking about their concerns at an early stage. The Samaritans will be able to offer understanding, a listening ear and signposting, and will also encourage the staff member to come back for another chat the following week if they feel it would help.

“In total, 15 Samaritans have volunteered to take part in the project and have all visited the AOC so that they can understand more about the work we do and the challenges we face. I would urge any colleague based in Norwich who thinks that they could benefit from a confidential and impartial chat to drop in on a Thursday night and give the Listening Project a chance.”

The Samaritans will be based in the ECAT training room and an adjacent office. Anyone who would like to speak to them can simply drop in between 6pm and 10pm.

The names of the Samaritans who are on site each week will be shared before their shift.

Published 21st February 2022