Support the Helpline & Engagement Service by providing compassionate and accessible support to individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Helpline volunteers help to ensure that callers feel listened to, believed, empowered and guided towards appropriate information and support.
What service will I be volunteering in?
Helpline Engagement Service – confidential advice, emotional support, and practical guidance to all individuals affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful behaviours.
What might I be doing?
– Calling people who have reached out to us and completing an initial assessment using our standard set of questions
– Using a DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment, and Honour-based violence) risk check list to understand risk and support required
– Writing up clear notes on our case management system after each call so the wider team can follow up safely and consistently.
– Uploading professional referrals into our system and getting in touch with agencies to confirm they’ve been received.
– Checking our voicemail inbox, recording the details and returning calls to offer reassurance and next steps.
– Completing safeguarding or police referrals when these are needed following an assessment, with guidance from the team
– Handing over key information to another volunteer or staff member at the end of your shift and taking time to debrief before signing off
The list of tasks is flexible; you may only be involved in a few of these depending on your preferences.
What knowledge, skills or qualities do I need?
– An understanding or an openness to learn about:
– How domestic abuse affects adults, children and families
– How the criminal justice process can play a part in someone’s experience
– The different agencies that work together to support people safely
– Confidentiality and how to handle sensitive information safely
– How to maintain healthy personal boundaries
– Trauma, neurodivergence and how these can shape someone’s needs and reactions
Personal qualities & skills:
– Compassion for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence
– Non-judgemental, active listening and questioning skills
– Ability to be calm and resilient
– Great all round communication skills …
What’s the commitment?
We are grateful for any amount of time you can spare but we’d love it if you could give between 3 –7 hours a week on average for 6 months to a year.
Volunteer shifts are likely to be on weekends (between 10-4) and evenings (between 4-8).
Where will I be volunteering?
You’ll be based at our central office location, very near to Victoria Park.
Required *
Our funders ask us to report on the age, gender, ethnicity and location of volunteers who use our service. All reporting is anonymous.
We will share your name and contact details with the relevant organisation as part of your application to a volunteering opportunity.
