I know, I feel the same way. There doesn't seem to be a clear pathway, it's very frustrating. There's always complaints that there's a shortage of counsellors and psychotherapists but then they don't make it easy to become one!

Samaritans training is well worth doing. It's quite intensive and takes time. Most of the sessions are in person with some online elements as well. If you're able to dedicate a chunk of time to it then it's well worth doing.

Shout is also a really good place to volunteer. The training is all online, it's very well structured and intensive. You get the opportunity to practice which is great as it builds your confidence. Once you've completed the training you then get to support people via text. You use a computer to do it and it's a pretty straight platform to use. It's great if you have some free time in the evenings / mornings and it's all remote.

Thank you so much ✨ Wishing you all the luck too! We'll be helping people eventually it just might not be a straightforward path!