Childline Volunteer Email Counsellor

As a Childline email counsellor (homebased), you’ll respond to emails from young people who have got in touch with Childline about something that’s worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer from home, offering support to children and young people over email. A Childline supervisor will support you to develop and evaluate your skills. After your initial training, you will be able to support young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but a supervisor will always be available to speak to, to give you support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training to prepare you for the role and a supervisor will be available to speak to and support you at all times during and after your shifts. Every shift includes an online briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and online supervision.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline email counsellor (homebased) is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year. We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

A laptop or PC with a Microsoft Windows 10/11 or Apple MacOS operating system is required with speakers, a USB port for a headset and a webcam along with a mobile phone.

Note: a tablet, smart phone/tv, Chromebook are not suitable. You will need to download a couple of apps onto your laptop/PC to use the NSPCC computer applications and you will be provided with clear instructions. Weekly 4 hour shift

What skills do I need?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience:

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• Works well within a team
• Emotional resilience
• Technically competent
• Confident working from home

Location

This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.