Hear4You is designed as a talking space for anyone who is feeling stressed, worried or struggling with problems. Some of the people who have used Hear4You in the past have been struggling with things like low mood, bereavement, loneliness, anxious thoughts or family difficulties.

The main role of a listener is simply to be there and hold space for you by actively listening. Our listeners are not trained counsellors or advisors and are not there to solve problems. Instead their role is to listen to you and ask careful questions to help you feel understood and decide if you want to take any steps regarding anything that is discussed.

We hold multiple 45-minute sessions every week. There are a number of listening slots available and ideally your time slots will be the same each week, although there is some flexibility when needed. Our sessions typically take place face-to-face form our base in Barton (OX3). We tend to work with people for around 6-8 weeks although this is often dependent on your situation and we can do more or fewer as needed

Sessions take place at a variety of times throughout the week, currently most frequently Tuesday mornings.

We use the hub, which is the space rented by Barton Community Church in the Barton Neighbourhood Centre. We can be found using the door beside the police room. 

We have two rooms available for clients to have a quiet, confidential space with their listener and sometimes have sessions simultaneously in both rooms.

Discussions are fully confidential unless a listener is concerned about the wellbeing of you or someone else, or is unsure how to support you with what you have shared. In this case the volunteer may share necessary information with their team leader and take appropriate steps to ensure you receive the support you need.