AA Telephone Service – Could You Help?

A telephone call could be the first step towards saving someone’s life.

For many people struggling with alcohol, picking up the telephone and asking for help can be one of the hardest things they will ever do.  The AA Telephone Service is often the first point of contact for someone who is desperate, frightened, lonely or simply unsure where to turn.  Behind that telephone service are AA members who freely give their time to help another alcoholic.

What Does a Telephone Responder Do?

Telephone responders are AA members who volunteer their time to answer calls from people seeking help with their drinking.  Their role is to listen to the caller, establish whether they would like to be contacted by a Twelfth Stepper and, if so, pass their contact details on so that a Twelfth Stepper can get in touch.

Telephone responders work allocated shifts, with calls diverted directly to their mobile phones. This means you can carry out this valuable service from the comfort of your own home or anywhere quiet and suitable where you can take calls privately.

Could You Spare Just a Few Hours Each Week?

Our Telephone Service relies entirely on AA members volunteering their time, and we urgently need more members willing to help cover shifts.

You don’t have to travel anywhere, and even giving just a few hours each week would help share the responsibility and ensure that someone is there when a suffering alcoholic reaches out for help.  A few hours of your time could make a lifetime of difference to someone else.

What Does a Twelfth Stepper Do?

A Twelfth Stepper is an AA member who contacts someone who has asked for help with their drinking.  They can share their own experience of alcoholism and recovery, explain how AA has helped them and offer encouragement and support to someone who may be considering attending their first meeting.

Both roles are equally important. Without telephone responders, those seeking help may never reach the Twelfth Steppers who can carry the message of recovery.

Service Helps Us Too!

Twelfth Step work is at the very heart of Alcoholics Anonymous.  When we give our time to help another alcoholic, we are not only carrying the message of recovery, but also strengthening our own sobriety.  Service keeps us connected to AA, reminds us where we came from and gives us an opportunity to pass on what was so freely given to us.

Could You Be There for Someone?

We were all newcomers once, and most of us remember the people who were there when we needed help.  If AA has helped you find a new way of life, perhaps now is the time to help someone else find theirs.  Whether you can offer a few hours as a Telephone Responder or are willing to help as a Twelfth Stepper, your service could make a real difference.

Someone was there for us when we needed AA. Let’s make sure we’re there for the next person who picks up the telephone.

Interested in Volunteering?

Please contact Carly, Derbyshire Intergroup Telephone Liaison Officer, for further information about becoming a Telephone Responder or Twelfth Stepper.

Tel:  07775 145960
Email:  [email protected]

Together, we can help keep the hand of AA available to those who still suffer.