CHS seeks Helpline volunteers to support people in distress

Are you someone who can listen with empathy and care? The Community Help Service (CHS) is seeking new volunteer listeners to join our 24/7 Helpline team, offering immediate support to English speakers in Belgium and, increasingly, beyond.

Our confidential Helpline is a lifeline for people struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and - all too often self-harm and suicidal thoughts. A growing number of our callers are adolescents, reaching out because they have no one else to turn to. Behind every call is a human being looking for connection, and our volunteers are there to answer.

This is emotionally demanding work, requiring deep compassion and resilience but it is also profoundly rewarding. You’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive community of caring individuals who share a strong commitment to being present for others in their most difficult moments.

About CHS

Community Help Service (CHS) is a Belgium-based non-profit organisation offering mental healthcare in English. The Helpline is one of our core services, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing anonymous, confidential emotional support and general information to English-speaking callers.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience - just the right mindset and commitment. We are looking for people who are:

• • Empathetic – able to relate to others’ emotions and respond with genuine care
  • Open-minded – non-judgmental, respectful of differences, and inclusive
  • Discreet – fully committed to CHS’s core values of confidentiality and anonymity

Basic requirements:

To join our Helpline team, you must:

• • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a fluent English speaker (native fluency not required)
  • Live in Belgium and plan to stay for at least three more years
  • Be able to give around 25 hours per month for call shifts (including some night and weekend shifts)
  • Participate in volunteer meetings and ongoing training (about 3 hours per month)

Training & support

• You’ll receive thorough training over 3 to 4 months, with mentoring from an experienced volunteer who will guide you throughout. You won’t be alone: CHS volunteers are always there for one another.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you.

• Register your interest on our website at https://www.chsbelgium.org/questionnaire-helpline-form/
• Alternatively call the CHS office at +32 2 647 67 80 or email office@chsbelgium.org, with "Helpline Volunteer" in the subject line

Be there for someone who desperately needs to talk.

Join CHS—help us answer the call.