Helpline & Live Chat Volunteer

About the role

Our Helpline gives support to 1000s of people each year who have been affected by sexual violence and abuse at any time in their lives.  Through our telephone, Live Chat and e-support services we offer emotional support.  Volunteers give their time to listen and support people from their first disclosure and all along their healing journey. This is a vital service, and it would not exist without our amazing volunteers.

We offer comprehensive initial and ongoing training for this role.  Volunteers also attend monthly clinical reflective practice sessions.

Closing date: Friday 31^st July 2026

About you

You will be motivated to support people affected by sexual violence and abuse.  You will be empathic, non-judgemental, and non-discriminatory.  You will have a warm and open manner, with the ability to maintain clear boundaries. You will be open to learning new skills and approach the role from a feminist perspective.

About SARSAS

SARSAS exists to relieve the trauma and distress, and help rebuild the lives, of survivors who live in Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and BANES, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.

SARSAS also campaigns and raises awareness about rape and sexual violence to change the narrative about sexual violence and enable survivor’s voices to be heard. Partnership work with a range of agencies locally and nationally is a priority to enable social change.

SARSAS works to feminist principles: this underpins both what our service is and how it is run. Our work is guided by a trauma-informed approach which understands how traumatic experiences can impact on survivors and keeps an awareness of the effects of trauma at the forefront of our approach to support.

This video will give an overview of SARSAS and the crucial work we do.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.

We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective volunteers are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

Volunteering hours & location

You are expected to commit to one helpline shift a week for at least 6 months.

We are currently recruiting for the following helpline shifts (and particularly need Wednesday and Friday volunteers)

• Monday 10:45am-2:15pm (in-person in Bristol)
• Tuesday 5:45pm-8:15pm (remote on Zoom)
• Wednesday 5:45pm-8:15pm (remote on Zoom)
• Thursday 5:45pm-8:15pm (in-person in Bristol)
• Friday 10:45am-2:15pm (remote on Zoom)

How to apply

Download and read the role description

Download and read the volunteer recruitment FAQs

Download and complete the application form

Please complete the application form and return to: volunteer@sarsas.org.uk

Deadline: Friday 31^st July 2026

Informal interviews are scheduled to take place on 11^th, 18^th and 19^th August. Please let us know if you’re not available on these dates.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email: volunteer@sarsas.org.uk

Or if you would like a chat about the role before completing the application form, please call Jenny on 07300 215 583