Helpline Volunteer

Job content

Would you like to gain some experience whilst really making a difference?

If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.

Are you interested in volunteering with a leading mental health charity?

If so, you may be the person we need

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We are currently seeking Helpline Volunteers to support our Self Harm Helpline in Gloucestershire which operates 365 days of the year between the hours of 5pm - 10pm. Our service exists to help people who experience suicidal thoughts and/or self harm.

As we near the school summer holidays, we are looking to increase the number of our volunteers to ensure there is extra support available for young people who may want to access our service.

In everything we do, we seek to demonstrate our values: Passion, Commitment, Openness, Hope, Expertise, Equity and Understanding. If these values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you.

What will you be doing?

You will help us to provide our helpline service by responding to our service users via webchat and text. Training will be provided.

What will you need?

Your own laptop / device

Previous experience in a helpline role

To be able to handle complex and personal queries

Be non-judgemental

The safety and wellbeing of our service users and colleagues is our first priority, which is why it is now a condition for anyone joining us that they have either had the recommended Covid-19 vaccine or agree to have it when offered by the NHS. You can find more information on our approach and why we have made this important decision in our attached Covid-19 vaccination information document.

Why should you volunteer?

Do something meaningful by helping others and use your own experience in a positive way

Build confidence and self-esteem

Receive ongoing training to develop skills in communication and teamwork

Useful experience for your CV and personal development

Help us changes lives!

The Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator looking after this opportunity is Rebecca Dolphin. If you have any questions or to discuss alternative methods of applying please contact her at

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this. Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If a shortened closing date has a significant impact on your ability to apply, please let us know.

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