Groupwork and Helpline Volunteers

Survivors Network is the Rape Crisis centre for Sussex. We support all survivors of sexual violence, no matter when or how the abuse happened. We are recruiting for compassionate volunteers to support survivors at our in person and online groups, and on our helpline and email service. We value our volunteers and we could not deliver theses services without them.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to support our helpline / email service, our in-person peer support groups and our online groups.

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We are especially looking for those who can volunteer on Thursday daytimes, and who can volunteer at a group in Eastbourne. Travel expenses will be paid if needed. 

• Recruitment is open to all women aged 21 and over. 
• 100% of our current volunteers said they would recommend being a SN volunteer. 
• We are looking for a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds to join our fantastic team. 

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Benefits

1. Excellent training and clinical supervision to allow you to support vulnerable people. 

2. Valuable experience supporting real people which would support you in a helping career, psychology or counselling profession. 

3. Social meet ups and rewards, expenses for travel paid. 

Above all this is a rewarding opportunity to give back and be part of a cause that helps survivors to recover. 

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Practical Considerations

You will need to be able to commit to 3-4 shifts per month, shifts are usually 3 hours.
Helpline shifts are in the evening 18:30 to 21:30 on a Monday and Wednesday 11:30 to 14:00.
Peer support groups are Wednesday evening 18:30 - 20:30, Thursday morning 10:30 - 13:30, Thursday 10:30-13:30 in Eastbourne, and Friday morning 10:30 - 13:30 (Age 50+).
We also have a creative group every other Tuesday 13:30-16:00.

Our main building where the helpline runs is not accessible as there are a lot of stairs. However we also run groups that volunteers support with in an accessible location on Wednesday and Friday. We also need volunteers to help with online groups. 

We are based in central Brighton with good access to bus routes but no parking. 

You can claim expenses for things like travel and childcare up to £10 per shift. 
For travelling to the Eastbourne group we can cover the whole cost. 

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Support Disabled

We run some of our groups from accessible venues and some our online groups can be supported from home. Our helpline is currently in our building which has a number of stairs. We can cover expenses for things like childcare and travel for up to £10 per shift, or more if travelling for the group in Eastbourne.

What skills do I need?

• A commitment to the aims of Survivors’ Network.
• Knowledge of and/or experience of supporting people, particularly around sexual violence. (this is not required though as full training is provided).
• Be able to maintain boundaries and confidentiality, and invest time to familiarise yourself and adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures. 
• Be reliable and able to commit to 3-4 shifts per month plus monthly clinical supervision.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Show empathy and compassion.
• Able to work as part of a trans inclusive service.
• Have a commitment to self-care & self-compassion.
• Ability to be an effective team member.
• Be able to respond sensitively and non-judgmentally to the practical and emotional content of working with survivors.
• Have IT skills (particularly, be confident in using, email and filling out online forms) .
• Not be a service user for the past two years.
• Be over 21 years old.