Make a real difference to children, young people and adults affected by a parent’s drinking by volunteering on the free, confidential helpline at Nacoa (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics).
As a Helpline Counsellor, you’ll provide emotional support, a listening ear, and information by phone and email to people who may feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn.
Your support can help someone feel heard, less alone and more able to cope.
This is a rewarding opportunity for people who want to directly support others while building valuable skills in listening, communication, safeguarding awareness and helpline support. Full training, induction and ongoing support are provided.
What’s involved
- Supporting callers and email and live chat users with empathy and without judgement
- Offering emotional support and helping people explore their options
- Sharing information and signposting where appropriate
- Being part of a supportive team helping families affected by alcohol problems
Time commitment
- Attend Nacoa’sonline training programme (please see dates below) followed by in-office induction and mentoring in Bristol with Nacoa Supervisors
- Volunteer on an ongoing, regular basis from Nacoa’s Bristol office
Upcoming training dates (next intake)
The next round of Nacoa's online training programme starts in September 2026 as below (please note the two break for half term between sessions four and five).
For Helpline Counsellors, sessions 1 – 5 are required. Sessions 6–7 are for speaker roles, so attendance is optional.
- Session 1 – Wednesday 23 September, 7.30 – 9pm: An introduction to Nacoa
- Session 2 – Wednesday 30 September, 7.30 – 9pm: Understanding alcohol problems
- Session 3 – Wednesday 7 October, 7.30 – 9pm: The family illness
- Session 4 – Wednesday 14 October, 7.30 – 9pm: An introduction to safeguarding
- Session 5 – Wednesday 4 November, 7.30 – 9pm: Listening skills
- Session 6 – Wednesday 11 November, 7.30 – 9pm: Speaker training
- Session 7 – Wednesday 18 November, 7.30 – 9pm: School specific training
Requirements
- Must be 18+
- Must be able to travel to Nacoa’s Bristol office in Bedminster
- Enhanced DBS check required
- Volunteers who complete training are expected to become a Nacoa member
Please contact Liam on volunteering@nacoa.org.uk with any questions, or complete an online application form and a member of the team will be in touch.