SJOG’s Here to Help team has recently delivered online training to over 900 Samaritans listening volunteers, aimed at helping them better understand and communicate with neurodivergent callers.
The training focussed on effective communication strategies for autistic callers and connects to the essential services offered by Samaritans.
Research suggests that autistic individuals are seven times more likely to die by suicide than non-autistic individuals.
Some general factors influencing suicidality in the wider population, such as loneliness, feeling burdensome, and difficulties in expressing emotions, also affect autistic people. However, there are additional, specific risk factors for suicidality among autistic individuals, including black-and-white thinking, social camouflaging, and challenges with emotional recognition.
Vanessa Hamilton, Assistant Director of Learning & Development, Samaritans said, “This was an excellent, informative and sensitively delivered webinar that gave great insights and practical tips on how Samaritans listening volunteers can better support our autistic callers.”
We are proud to support the Samaritans in delivering their vital services through our training.
To learn more about Here to Help, visit our platform: www.sjogheretohelp.uk