Rebecca Beale

I have been volunteering for Samaritans as a listening volunteer since 2021 This opportunity has allowed me to gain knowledge and experience supporting adults and on some occasions young people, who are struggling with their mental health and who are often at crisis point As a listening volunteer it is extremely important that I am able to emphasise with the caller, whilst actively listening to their concerns, without judgement I believe techniques I have learnt such as using open questioning, allows the caller to reflect and clarify their thoughts and feelings It is vital to have empathy for people’s circumstances, whilst supporting to look towards the future The skills I have learnt in the Samaritans are invaluable and are skills that are highly transferable to this specific job role

I am also extremely passionate about performing arts and strongly believe it lends its self to building confidence, the exploration of thoughts and feelings and the ability to command a space vocally and physically for both children and adults through the medium of drama, movement and voice I believe this is a type of therapy, that can help children explore their thoughts and feelings and build confidence and resilience, despite adversities My experience also allows me to advocate for children where the need presents and within this role, to support them to exercise their rights to an education and strengthen their potential for the future

Over the past year, I have undertaken the following relevant training:

• Substance misuse training with Barod
• Working with Families where engagement is challenging- with Changing Minds
• Lone working and personal safety via Social services training department
• Benefits training- Welfare rights
• Online child exploitation and abuse
• Signs of safety approach to child protection
• Building resilience in young people
• Attachment and developmental trauma

• Responding to neglect
• Supporting families experiencing domestic abuse
• Supporting young people who self-harm
• Cultural harm training

Previous Training with Samaritans includes:

• Level 2- ‘Safeguarding at Samaritans’- Recognise, Respond, Report’ - Completed November 2022
• Mental Health First Aid course – Completed June 2022
• Level 1- ‘Safeguarding at Samaritans’- Recognise, Respond, Report’ – Completed November 2021