Childline Counsellor (Volunteer)

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This is a voluntary role.

The NSPCC is currently recruiting Childline Counsellors (volunteers).

Time commitment:

4 hrs per week, plus initial training and a minimum commitment of one year.

What they’re looking for:

Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be
there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do:

You’ll volunteer in your local Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through their 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get:

You’ll receive training sessions over 11 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around at all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What they’ll need from you:

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, they do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

They’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and they can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While they think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, they are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• Able to think on your feet
• Works well within a team
• Emotional resilience.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join their fight for every childhood.

For more information and to apply, please click here.