Helpline Volunteer
We have a brilliant opportunity to join the thriving and dynamic SARSAS team as a Helpline 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 can also attend monthly clinical reflective practice sessions.
Closing date: Friday 18th July at midday
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 developed as part of the 2021 GSK Impact Awards will give you a taster of the 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 all helpline shifts (and particularly need Friday volunteers)
- Mondays 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 complete the application form
Please complete the application form and return to: volunteer@sarsas.org.uk
Deadline: Friday 18th July at midday
Further information
You’re welcome to have a look at our previous Facebook Live from our past round of helpline volunteer recruitment.
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
The latest from our news and blogs
Introducing our FREE ‘Drop-In & Reach Out’ support service in Bristol
This year, we were proud to launch our new, free ‘Drop In & Reach Out’ service – designed to provide accessible emotional support and wellbeing resources to people in Inner City and East Bristol.
Isabelle Smith, star of Hollyoaks: Why I’m running the Great Manchester Run for SARSAS
We’re so proud to share that Isabelle Smith, Hollyoaks star, is running the Great Manchester Run 10k this weekend in support of SARSAS!
What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
