Volunteer as a listener

Become a volunteer with our Rapha Listening Service

 

We need volunteers from all walks of life to support community members with mental health problems. The shortage of male volunteers is particularly acute. Many of our male service users prefer to talk to another man, but we are not able to meet this need for everyone.

What would I do as a listening volunteer?

Your role will be to let service users talk through their feelings and experiences without judging or telling them what to do. So the key qualities we look for in our volunteers are compassion and a non-judgemental attitude.

Are sessions face to face?

Our service is delivered over the phone and online, so it doesn’t matter where you live, you can volunteer with us. We do expect to offer some face to face options alongside our telephone service in the near future.

How much time will I need to give?

After training, we ask for a minimum of 1 hour a week to work with a service user and to complete a brief report each time you meet with a client. We also ask that you attend regular Zoom supervision meetings with staff to make sure that you are both confident and coping with what can be a demanding role. 

What support and training will I receive?

You will receive full training in reflective listening. We also offer regular ongoing support as well as access to a 24/7 helpline.

Our initial training sessions occur via Zoom and are usually held on two consecutive mornings, (10am to 12.30pm). Therefore, you will need to attend both sessions.

Volunteers will be given a mobile phone.

Volunteering and claiming Universal Credit

If you get Universal Credit, your volunteering can count to up to half the time you agree to spend looking for and preparing for work in your Claimant Commitment.

Tell the office that pays your benefits about any volunteering that you are planning to do before you start.  You will find more details at Gov.UK

How do I apply?

Register your interest using the form on this page. A member of the team will get in touch to tell you more about what’s involved and together you can decide whether to go forward.  If you’re interested in finding out more about what it’s actually like to be a volunteer listener, you can read an interview with one of our volunteers.

Contact details

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Calis, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 0777 668 6855 or email calis@bethelnetwork.org.uk.  Calis is part-time and works Tuesday to Thursday.

I have really enjoyed my time with the listening service and I am sad to go! It has been such a rewarding and enriching experience. Everyone working for Bethel is an inspiration, it’s a great organisation and everyone’s commitment is beautiful.

Former volunteer listener 2021

Apply to become a listening volunteer

To register your interest as a volunteer, please fill in the form below and a member of the team will contact you to talk to you about the role.