They need the assurance that they can trust you with their vulnerabilities and hurts, confident that you will not misuse any information they share with you. They need to know you will listen with a caring heart, not interrupting to give advice. And they need to know you are dependable and will be there when you say you will. The relationships you enter into as a volunteer are very special. Although you may feel warmly toward the people you serve, they are not your friends.
Friends share equally and support and care for one another.
The volunteer relationships you build are more one-sided. Your main reason for being there is to offer care and support, not to receive it. It is your responsibility to be sure that the relationship stays where it is intended to be. In these relationships it is also crucial to be aware of boundaries . Physical boundaries are crossed by inappropriate or unwanted touch.