Helpline Volunteer
About the role
LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s helpline provides emotional support, information, and signposting services to LGBTQ+ adults, their friends, family, and loved ones. We take calls from across Scotland as well as supporting people via ‘live chat’ on the website and through emails.
Helpline Volunteers will answer calls, emails and live chats on our LGBT+ Helpline. Provide emotional support, information, and signposting to LGBTQ+ callers, those questioning their sexuality/gender as well as friends, families, and professionals seeking support. In this role you will handle tasks related to the following:
- Emotional support
- Signposting
- Recording engagements
- Confidentiality
Many LGBTQ+ people are feeling increasingly alone, scared, and don’t know where to turn. You can change that.
In return, you’ll:
- Develop your communication skills, and build confidence
- Benefit from an ongoing training programme to boost your skills and experience
- Have the opportunity to work alongside other volunteers and the wider team for peer support and social events
- Finish each shift knowing that you were there for somebody when they needed you the most.
About you
We’re looking for individuals who have:
- A good understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and the issues affecting a wide range of LGBTQ+ people.
- Excellent communication skills via telephone, email and live chat.
- Capacity to offer emotional support to others.
- A compassionate, patient, and non-judgemental approach.
- Self-awareness and ability to reflect.
- The ability to sensitively and confidently discuss topics including sex and relationship issues, sexual health, gender identity and transition, abuse, and emotional distress.
- We welcome volunteers that can also offer support in non-English languages as we aspire to making our national LGBTQ+ Helpline more accessible.
You must be able to attend our full 3-day training course in Edinburgh. Public transportation costs will be reimbursed.
Our next training course runs on:
- 30th October 4pm-8pm
- 31st October 10.30am-5.30pm
- 1st November 10.30am-5.30pm
About LGBT Health and Wellbeing
LGBT Health and Wellbeing was established in 2003 to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people across Scotland.
We are a national charity providing support services and community spaces that help people stay well, reduce isolation, and feel more connected.
We are recognised as a trusted and credible voice on LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, particularly in areas such as mental health, trans wellbeing, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ elders.
At the heart of our work is a simple aim: a Scotland where LGBTQ+ people thrive, no matter who we are
You can read more about our work and impact in our latest Impact Report.
Application
Please carefully read the volunteer role description and download the Helpline Volunteer Recruitment Pack for further information.
To apply please click here
If you have any questions, or if you would like to request an alternative version of the application form, please contact:
fiona@lgbthealth.org.uk
We invite all applicants to complete our optional Diversity Monitoring Form. This anonymous form is not linked to your application and won’t affect the recruitment process, but it helps us make sure our work and opportunities are inclusive and accessible to everyone in our community.
Deadline: Friday 11th September at 5pm.
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