If you're looking for a rewarding, meaningful role and a new challenge, this is the opportunity for you. Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years, and we're looking for new volunteers to help us continue offering these vital support services.
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 the people who contact us.
We’re currently recruiting Bristol-based volunteers for our listening services. This office-based role involves providing support via our helpline and text services from our Bristol office. We regret that the premises are not wheelchair accessible. If you’d prefer to apply for a remote volunteer role, please go here instead. (Please note, we welcome Bristol volunteers who’d prefer to work remotely too.)
Our next training block will take place remotely over 3 days: Saturday 5th July 4pm–8pm , Sunday 6th July 12pm-4pm, and Sunday 13th July 12pm-4pm. Please note that attendance on all three dates is required to complete the training.
Fill in this short form and we’ll arrange an informal chat.
Why volunteer?
- Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-injury, trauma, mental health, and many more topics.
- Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at volunteer days where you'll receive additional relevant training.
- Get access to supportive spaces as part of volunteering with us, ensuring that you're always supported in the work you're doing.
What is it like being a volunteer?
When you join our team, you’ll take part in our training course. The training is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work. Our training covers experiential listening skills, self-injury, supporting suicidal callers, understanding the impact of trauma and abuse, mental health awareness, and reflective practice.
Once you’ve started on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts, and/or emails from people across the UK and offer them confidential emotional support. The work can be emotional but highly rewarding.
Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers in a supportive, reflective space to discuss volunteering. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and its impact on you 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-injury or mental ill health, or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.
You don’t need previous helpline or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.
We are looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is personal and unique. We are 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 arrange a chat and to discuss the next steps.
We require all volunteers to attend our small group training courses. There will be a general skills training course followed by breakout groups to learn the skills specific to your chosen service. We can discuss your availability when we meet.
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.
- For remote volunteers: You will require access to a laptop and an uninterrupted space during your shift.
- For office-based Bristol volunteers: Our main office is Central Bristol, near Bristol Royal Infirmary, with good public transport links and parking nearby. We regret that the premises are not wheelchair accessible. We can offer our preliminary chat over the phone and discuss any adjustments we could make for more flexible roles.
How to apply:
Fill in the short form and we’ll arrange an informal chat.
Contact Information:
Contact Person: Sian Rance/Molly-Jo Sullivan
Contact Email: volunteering@selfinjurysupport.org.uk