Listening Support Service Volunteer (Remote)

Become a Remote Text Service Volunteer

We've been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Listening Service Volunteers provide valuable, non-judgemental support that makes an important impact on 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, and to become part of our friendly, like-minded community.

Our next training block will take place remotely over four days: 28th Feb, 1st March, 7th March & 8th March from 10am til 4pm each day. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training.

Please carefully read the information below and fill in our short application form to apply. There are limited places available for this round of volunteer recruitment and training, so we recommend getting applications in as soon as possible and before 20th February. If you have any questions about the role, please contact our team, however please note that only applications through our online form will be considered and we are not accepting CV’s via email.

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.
• Develop a gentle, transformative approach to mental health that can be applied elsewhere in life.
• Transform the lives of an often overlooked and misunderstood community.

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 calls, texts and emails 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.

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

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. Due to a high number of applications and limited resources, we are unable to provide feedback and may only be able to respond if your application is successful. There are only 8 places available and we won’t be able to recruit everyone that applies, but do follow us on LinkedIn to look out for future training opportunities later this year.

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, internet 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 one evening shift per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

Please fill in our short online application form to apply: https://forms.office.com/e/R8M48XLMqL