The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley are looking for volunteers to staff their suicide crisis helpline. Upcoming training sessions take place over two days on Friday, Aug. 23 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, 430 North Canal St., Lawrence. Candidates must attend both training sessions in order to be eligible to volunteer.
After a classroom training session, volunteers are expected to attend a five-hour shift each week for a year.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a suicide occurs 129 times per day. The Samaritans aim to reduce incidence rates by providing non-judgmental voices to compassionately divert to those contemplating self-harm.
To register for the training, call 978-327-6674.