Over the last 12 months our Helplines received over 32,000 telephone calls from service users.
Our Ukrainian Support Helpline has received 21,000 telephone calls and responded to 13,000 emails to support families.
We can only do this with the support of our volunteers, who give up their time each week to support all of our Helplines.
If you are a great listener, open to learning new skills and passionate about helping those in need we would love to hear from you.
Pauline
Volunteer Helpline Advisor
Do I have the right skills?
Our volunteers come from lots of different backgrounds, and you are not expected to be an expert. The training and induction that you will receive will help you to feel confident on shift.
We are looking for volunteers that;
- are great listeners
- have good IT/computer skills
- enjoy working as part of a team
- may have additional language skills (e.g. Ukrainian/ Russian/ Cantonese/Mandarin/ Dari/ Farsi/ Pashto)
- have a desire to help and support children and families when they need it.
I want to volunteer, what happens next?
We are delighted to hear that you want to join our team as a volunteer. We know that this will be a really rewarding experience for you. The next step will be to complete a really short application form (links below) which will then be processed by our recruitment team. Don't worry, you will hear back from us really quickly and we will invite you to come and have an online chat or call with our volunteer coordinator. This isn't an interview - we can answer any questions that you have and help make sure that the role is right for you. As we work with children and families you will need to complete a police check. Normally these are returned to us within 2 weeks. Once this is completed you will be invited to an online induction. We aim to have volunteers starting their shift within 4 weeks of application.
Training & Support
Each shift will start with a briefing and debriefing from a manager where tasks will be allocated and you will receive any important updates about the Helplines work. You will receive regular support from our Volunteer Coordinator as well as regular training and group supervision sessions. You will be allocated a shift buddy that can support you with any difficult or challenging calls that you may receive.
When can I volunteer?
Our Helplines are open from Monday - Friday (09:30-20:30) and Saturday (09:30-17:30). If you can give 2-3 hours during these times we would love to hear from you.
Commitment
We want to make sure that you get enough experience that you feel confident in your volunteering role. We are looking for volunteers who can give 2- 3 hours per week, with initial and ongoing training provided.
Location
Home Based: You must live in the UK and have a confidential space that you can volunteer from at home. You will require a laptop/computer broadband internet connection.
Boloh Helpline - Asylum Seeker Mental Health & Wellbeing
Boloh Helpline is commissioned by Home Office to provide mental health and wellbeing support to asylum seekers. This offer included a national virtual therapeutic support service with the provision of practical support provided by Helpline advisors and time-bound intensive 1:1 virtual psychotherapy sessions.
Are you passionate about supporting asylum seekers?
Boloh Helpline - Hong Kong BN(O) Helpline
Boloh Helpline is commissioned by DLUHC to provide support to Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) settling in the United Kingdom. The Helpline offers advice, practical and emotional support as well as 1:1 therapeutic support. Helpline Advisors and Therapists offer support in English and Cantonese.
Does this sound like a role for you?
Ukrainian Support Helpline
Our Ukrainian Support Helpline has received 33,000 contacts over the past year, and our volunteers help to ensure that every call and email is answered.