Listening Services Volunteer

Job title

Listening Services Volunteer (Remote)

Job description

Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Helpline and Text Volunteers provide valuable non-judgemental support to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds via our helpline, text, and email services. We're looking for people to help make an important difference to the lives of those who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting home-based remote volunteers across the UK for our text service, with the likelihood of the role extending to helpline support in the future. If you're based in Bristol and would prefer to volunteer from our office instead, please apply using our Bristol form.

Our next training block will take place remotely over four days: 28^th Feb, 1^st March, 7^th March & 8^th March. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training. 

Fill in this short form to apply: https://forms.office.com/e/R8M48XLMqL

Why volunteer? 

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-harm, trauma, mental health, and other related areas. 
• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at our quarterly Volunteer Days where you'll receive additional relevant training. 
• Access support from our coordinators and volunteer team through supervision and reflective practice.

What's it like being a volunteer? 

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our four-day online training course. The training is an opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work. 

Working on the service, you’ll answer texts from people impacted by self-harm and offer them confidential, emotional support to understand their own experiences and make decisions that are right for them. Our remote helpline service is still in development, but later this year it's likely we'll also offer you the opportunity to answer calls from people needing the same support.

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers to discuss volunteering. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and talk through any issues. 

Who can volunteer? 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental health challenges or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences. 

You don’t need previous listening or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn. 

We're looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We're keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences. 

What happens now? 

After you submit the short form, we'll get in touch to arrange a chat if we feel you'd be the right fit for our services.

Practical details: 

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Self Injury Support. 
• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. If you're looking for a shorter commitment, this may not be the role for you.
• You'll require access to a laptop and an uninterrupted space during training and all the shifts you attend with us.
• You must be available on the training dates mentioned above, and available for evening shifts on a rotation basis, and willing to take shifts preferably on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.