"thank you to the person i spoke to today. you really helped me and i appreciate it." Caller, 22, who phoned about feeling suicidal
What it’s like to be a volunteer at Get Connected
Get Connected's helpline is staffed entirely by volunteers. Each volunteer Helpline Worker commits to one four-hour shift each week at our office in central London, during which they take calls, emails and webchats from young people. So they're a pretty important group of people, and we make sure they get the training, support and development they need to provide a high quality service and feel valued for their work.
The first step in becoming a volunteer Helpline Worker is to attend an open evening, where you learn about the service and can ask questions. Dates for the next few open evenings are listed on the Upcoming open evenings page. You don't need any particular experience or qualifications - just come along and see what you think. Then if you like us, you can fill in an application form and attend a Selection Evening.
Selection
This is a session enabling Get Connected to work out who is suitable to work on the helpline, and for you as a potential volunteer to work out if we're suitable for you. We're looking for people who are good at listening, considerate when speaking, and who can maintain a non-judgemental view of a given scenario.
Training
If you pass Selection, you'll go forward to the next training programme. This is spread over a few evenings and weekend days and you'll need to be able to attend all of them, as each session equips you with different skills and information for working on the helpline. The dates of the next training programme are available on the Upcoming open evenings page.
Each training group is about 12 to 15 people, and you'll get to know them quite well during training. You'll role play calls and emails so that by the time you start working on the helpline, real calls and emails won't seem so challenging!
Induction
We won't just leave you on the helpline to struggle through your first shifts. For the first few weeks, you'll be closely supervised at all times, and after each shift you'll have the chance to review how it went and whether you want more support in any particular area. When you and your Helpline Officer feel you're ready, you'll be taken off induction and be a fully-fledged Helpline Worker.
We'll continue to support you with bi-annual reviews, support groups and ongoing training, and be around to talk about any difficult calls, emails or webchats you've taken. You'll be invited to all Get Connected social events.
Development
There are lots of opportunities to take your involvement with the helpline further. You can
- Become a Shift-leader, and support other Helpline Workers while you're on a shift
- Participate in training courses, helping staff explain what volunteering is like
- Study for accreditation from the National Open College Network, choosing which modules you'd like to qualify in and receiving support from Get Connected staff to complete them
- Become a member of Get Connected, attending the AGM and voting on constitutional issues
- Become a Helpline Worker Trustee and get involved in the strategic direction of the organisation
Of course you don't have to do any of the above - we'll be glad to have you as a Helpline Worker!