Description
Helpline Volunteer - Children 1st Parentline
Edinburgh
Are you caring, non-judgmental, empathetic and passionate about supporting others?
Can you commit to our training course and give a little of your time each week to support families across Scotland If so, please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
What will I be doing?
Volunteering for Children 1st Parentline is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families across Scotland.
Children 1st Parentline volunteers provide support to adults by phone, webchat and text offering a kind and skilled listening ear and time to talk about anything to do with children. They build supportive relationships and work alongside individuals to help them think through what will work best for their families, keeping children at the centre and being mindful of the challenges families face today.
A caring, kind and non-judgemental response can make a real difference to someone who wants to talk. No previous experience or formal qualifications are necessary however good communication skills are essential to enable you to listen to and support those who contact Children 1st Parentline. You will become part of a friendly, supportive team where trained staff are always on hand to provide support and guidance.
We provide a comprehensive introductory training course as well as ongoing support and opportunities to develop in the role. Volunteers are able to claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for travel and costs incurred as part of the volunteering role.
The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and 9am-12 noon Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. We ask our volunteers to give a weekly commitment of around 4 hours and there are a range of options for days/times based at the Children 1st Edinburgh office.
This is what some of our volunteers have said about volunteering with Children 1st Parentline:
‘Training to be a Children 1st Parentline call taker and all the subsequent time volunteering has really helped me build some skills which I wish I'd built years ago. Many of these I'd call 'life skills' which I can usefully apply in many different parts of my life.’
‘If you feel that you may have been able to help someone - even in a very small way - it makes you feel that you are doing something positive in that person’s life.’
‘No matter how many calls I have taken, I still find that there is no such thing as two that are identical. Every person is an individual with their own particular issues and this keeps you interested in the role.’
Training
Our next training will start in January 2024 and will take place at our office at 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 1AT.
Further information
We are holding an online information session for prospective volunteers on Weds 11th October from 6-7pm. This will provide the opportunity to meet members of the Children 1st Parentline team and to find out more about the volunteer role and the work of Parentline.
If you would like to attend the information session or have any questions about the role please email Jude Wilson at volunteer@children1st.org.uk
Organisation aims and objectives
Children 1st is Scotland’s National Children’s Charity. We began in 1884 and for many years were known as the RSSPCC (Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). We became Children 1st in 1995. We did this to say that children are at the heart of everything we do. And that not only do we want to prevent harm - we also want to ensure every child gets the love and nurture they deserve. We help Scotland’s families to put children first, with practical advice and with support in difficult times. And when the worst happens, we support survivors of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events in childhood, to recover.
Availability
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4 hours per week with a one year commitment.
Restrictions
Experience required: None, we offer a comprehensive initial training course for all volunteers
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses paid
Training details: We provide a a comprehensive initial training course and following training volunteers have a named supervisor, who provides ongoing support and development. There are opportunities for ongoing training.
Support:
Childcare,
Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet