December 1998

Be a Modern Samaritan

Give your helping hands

By Grace Cheng

     A Samaritan in Jesus’ fable cured the wounds on people's body. Nowadays, a band of Samaritans cures the wounds in people's hearts by listening to their problems on phones. You too can become one of the emotion-relieve team for the needy.

     The Samaritan Befrienders of Hong Kong, formerly known as the ‘Suicide Prevention Society’, was founded in 1960 as a local voluntary agency providing front-line emotional relief service such as a 24-hour hotline service, face-to-face interviews and replying to letters. Characterized by an entirely volunteer team, this organization has offered a series of training courses since its establishment.

     Said Ms Suen Ka Yin, who is in charge of SBHK: "The courses are divided into two phases. The first phase includes lectures and training camps which teach theories of basic helping and listening skills, and organize role plays for practicing purpose.

     "Knowledge on suicide risk assessment is stressed. Participants are supervised by professional social workers," Ms Suen said.

     Then, there is a selection process in which volunteers’ performances in lectures and training camps are assessed. Those who meet basic requirements can enter the second phase of practical training lasting for six months. The focus of this part is on how to cope with special cases like mental illness and long-term follow up tasks.

     "Initially, every trainee is guided by experienced volunteers who will give advice for improvements. We emphasize more on skills than on theories, " added Ms Suen.

     "Apart from recruitment, ongoing training of existing workers has always been emphasized. In-services training courses are held so as to enhance their skills in tackling cases," continued Ms Suen.

     "Our volunteers provide mainly friend-like support to help-seekers. They are available around-the-clock to listen to the callers patiently and attentively so as to alleviate their grief on time. This service is too demanding for professional social workers to provide in their spare time."

     Miss Suen further explained: "If a person is suffering from emotional problems, immediate psychological support is far more essential than practical advice."

     But in case a caller is believed to be in danger of suicidal action or further trouble, the volunteers act as mediators to refer to professional assistance and provide relevant information.

     However, some people oppose recruiting volunteers as counselors.

     "They lack the skills to analyze my problems. I contacted them as I wanted to get some professional advice but they could not give me immediate solutions," said Mr. Sunny Tang, who once called for help.

     In response to negative claims about counseling services provided by SBHK, Ms Suen admitted that SBHK is not a professional organization but aims at taking after the generosity and benevolence of the Good Samaritan in the Bible through giving support and rendering emotional services to those in need.

     In fact, there are people who support those volunteers.

     Ms Annie Wong, a university student, thought that the services are worthwhile as they provide immediate reassurance to the callers.

     "The most important thing is not whether they are professionals. It is their personality that counts," said she.

     Driven by a sense of mission, Ms Elsie Fung, a former hotline volunteer, said that her participation was meaningful because she could show her concern to the needy more directly.

     "I would try to detach my emotion from my job so that I would not be affected by the unfortunate experiences of the callers," said Ms Fung.

     "I understand that listening is vital. Some help-seekers are pacified after voicing their problems," she emphasized.

     People aged above 20 and Form Five graduates are welcomed to join the training courses. They should be respectful, mature, patient and with steady emotions.