About this role
PARCS promotes healthy relationships and alleviates the physical, emotional and psychological distress associated with trauma including rape and sexual abuse/exploitation.
Helpline Volunteers offer emotional support and signposting to callers. The focus of each call is likely to be supporting those who have been affected by sexual violence, rape and/or domestic abuse.
What is the time commitment?
This role is for 3 hours per week approximately. Minimum commitment for 12 months.
Who will you be helping?
Adults
Adults who have been affected by sexual abuse, rape, and/or domestic abuse. This could be either through their own experience or through being a family member or friend of someone who has experienced this type of trauma. The abuse may be recent or non-recent however PARCS is not a crisis service.
What difference will you make?
Trauma can have long lasting psychological impact on a person and cause difficulties for them in functions such as keeping a job or social relationships. It can also cause a person to become isolated from the world around them.
Our helpline provides a safe space for callers to be listened to, feel emotionally supported and get information they need such as on other services that may be able to help them, in order to begin healing and move forward in their lives.
The service aims to:
- Provide emotional and listening support
- Help with practical information and guidance
- Help with understanding and accessing relevant services and information
Who are we looking for?
There is no typical Family Action volunteer. We want our volunteers to be as diverse as the people we support. We need volunteers with a range of life experiences, skills and knowledge. In return for giving your time and talents, you will receive quality training, ongoing support, and the reward of knowing that you are making a real difference.
This role would suit people who:
- Have an understanding of some of the effects of interpersonal trauma
- Have a background that includes the use of active listening
- Have experience of supporting vulnerable people from a range of backgrounds
- Have a calm and confident telephone manner
- Are good active listeners and communicators
- Are resilient when hearing distressing material and manage their own stress well
- Are confident in talking with people who have been sexually abused/violated
- Have a commitment to personal development and are willing to learn and open to feedback
- Are reliable, consistent and dependable
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
- Have a commitment to equality & diversity principles
- Have a positive outlook and are enthusiastic
- Have a commitment to volunteering.
What's in it for you?
Family Action volunteers tell us that volunteering with us can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. As a volunteer with PARCS you will recieve:
- Access to our standard e-learning package, giving you a great basic introduction to topics such as Safeguarding and Equality & Diversity.
- Face-to-face induction training to ensure that you are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for this role.
- Regular meetings with your supervisor and line manager to discuss any challenges you are facing and celebrate your progress in the role.
- The opportunity to work as a part of an experienced and committed team
- Gaining of a greater insight and understanding of what is available to those experiencing sexual violation and abuse.
All Family Action volunteers receive full training and access to ongoing supervision and support as long as they are in the role.
How can you find out more?
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
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