What is the primary role of a non-professional helper?

The primary role of a non-professional helper is to offer assistance without formal training. Non-professional helpers are often individuals who possess life experience or have undergone informal training that enables them to provide support to others. Their contributions are valuable in various contexts, especially in community settings, where they may serve as peer supporters, mentors, or facilitators, leveraging their personal experiences to guide others.

In contrast, providing professional counseling services typically requires specific qualifications and credentials that non-professional helpers do not possess. Conducting community workshops might involve specialized training in facilitation or education, which goes beyond the informal assistance role. Similarly, managing clinical assessments is a responsibility that necessitates extensive training in clinical practices and methodologies, making it unsuited for someone without professional credentials. Thus, the emphasis on offering assistance without formal training highlights the grassroots support role that non-professional helpers fulfill in human services.