Safeguarding Assistant

About us

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a non‑profit Community Interest Company founded in 2016. We support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is simple: guide people from crisis toward hope, help them regain their strength and sense of safety, and support them in moving forward with their lives.

We offer a range of free, accessible support services, including:

• Confidential online chat support for real time emotional support, active listening, and signposting

• Safe Spaces (online and in-person) where people can talk, decompress, and feel understood

• SAPUK Life Coaches who provide structured guidance, confidence-building, and personal development support

• A community Food Pantry offering essential items to people and families facing financial hardship

• “I Don’t Know Anyone Either” social events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people build connections

• Semicolon events celebrating resilience, hope, and community through creative and awareness-focused activities

SAPUK is powered solely by volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience, and a shared belief that no one should face their darkest moments alone. We work together to create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Job Description

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. With over 100 active volunteers supporting vulnerable individuals daily, our safeguarding processes must be robust, consistent, and responsive. This role supports the Safeguarding Team by helping to manage safeguarding records, triage concerns, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure that all safeguarding actions are logged, monitored, and escalated appropriately.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with safeguarding knowledge or someone currently studying toward a safeguarding, social care, mental health, or related qualification who wants to apply their learning in a real‑world environment.

• Monitor safeguarding inboxes, logs, and internal reporting channels
• Accurately record safeguarding concerns, actions, and outcomes in line with SAPUK procedures
• Triage low‑level concerns and escalate higher‑risk cases to the Safeguarding Lead or DSO
• Support the Safeguarding Team with follow‑up tasks, documentation, and case updates
• Maintain secure, confidential, and well‑organised safeguarding records
• Assist with reviewing safeguarding policies, procedures, and training materials
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure safeguarding information is communicated appropriately
• Support the tracking of ongoing cases, risk assessments, and safety plans
• Ensure all safeguarding actions meet legal, ethical, and organisational standards
• Contribute to a culture of safety, vigilance, and trauma‑informed practice

Essential Requirements

Core

• 18+
• UK resident
• Must have submitted a cover letter
• Strong written communication
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Own laptop and stable internet
• Professional, calm, and reliable
• Ability to follow safeguarding procedures consistently
• A good understanding of safeguarding principles (adult and/or child) OR
• Be currently studying toward a safeguarding, social care, mental health, or related qualification and want to apply your learning in practice

You should be confident in:

• Understanding safeguarding thresholds and when to escalate
• Recording information accurately and objectively
• Managing sensitive information appropriately
• Communicating clearly with internal teams
• Remaining calm and professional when dealing with distressing content
• Following structured processes and risk‑based decision‑making
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation (e.g., Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together guidance
• Experience working or volunteering in mental health, social care, education, or support roles
• Experience with risk assessments or safety planning
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice
• Experience handling safeguarding concerns or disclosures
• Awareness of multi‑agency working and referral pathways
• Passion for mental health and crisis support
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities

 Why Volunteer With Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC?

Make a Real Difference While Growing Yourself

Volunteering with Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC isn’t just about filling a role. It is about stepping forward when people need support most and gaining tangible personal and professional benefits along the way.

“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

Every conversation, task, and hour you give helps create hope, safety, and connection. At the same time, you’re building skills, confidence, and experience that can help you explore new careers or make a career change.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the willingness to care. We’ll support you with the rest.

Key Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering can give you:

• Practical Experience for Your CV – Hands-on experience in mental health support, administration, or chat support roles adds real value to your future job applications.
• A Step Towards Coaching, Counselling, or Career Change – Gain exposure to supportive conversations and mental health awareness, perfect if you are considering a career pivot into coaching, counselling, social care, or related sectors.
• Confidence & Personal Growth – Build self-belief by contributing to meaningful work and seeing the direct impact of your support.
• Transferable Skills – Improve communication, teamwork, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership skills that employers value.
• Networking & References – Connect with professionals in the charity and mental health sectors and receive strong references for future roles.
• Purpose & Belonging – Join a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive team, and be part of work that truly matters.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Training and Development

We know volunteers succeed when they are supported. That’s why every role includes:

• Free role-specific induction and training
• Ongoing guidance, supervision, and check-ins
• Opportunities to take responsibility and develop your skills further

No experience is needed. If you care, we can teach you the rest.

Well-Being & Support

Your well-being is as important as the support you provide to others. Volunteers have access to:

• Mental health guidance and resources
• Peer support and check-ins
• Wellness workshops (mindfulness, resilience, self-care)
• A safe, supportive environment where asking for help is encouraged

Career and Progression Benefits

Volunteering with us provides:

• Leadership, mentor, or senior volunteer opportunities
• Experience that strengthens applications for jobs, education, or career pivots
• Clearer direction for a career in mental health, coaching, counselling, or related sectors
• Opportunities to gain strong references and real-world exposure

“Kindness is a language that everyone understands.”

Is Volunteering Right for You?

Volunteering may be right for you if you:

• Want to make a genuine difference
• Care about mental health and suicide prevention
• Are looking for personal growth, experience, or to explore a new career path
• Value compassion, respect, and teamwork

You don’t need to be perfect. Just be present.

Apply and Start Your Journey

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers and would love to hear from you.

Next Steps:

1. Complete the application form and attach your CV with a cover letter
2. Review the role information
3. Our team will be in touch to guide you through the process

Questions? Email us at: volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk

By volunteering, you gain real experience, develop skills, and build a foundation for potential career changes, all while helping save lives. 

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.