We are currently seeking passionate, empathetic individuals to join our incredible team of helpline volunteers.
SARAC is a registered charity in Burton on Trent supporting people aged 11 years and over who have been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. Picking up the phone to dial our helpline is a big decision, and can be daunting; your voice will be the first stepping stone on their journey to recovery. Our helpline volunteers provide trauma informed frontline support to adult clients through emotional support work, part of this work enables victims and survivors to prepare for counselling.
We are proud that our helpline runs 24 hours a day. Our volunteers work on the helpline between 10am-7pm. Our volunteers also provide scheduled support calls at an agreed time with the client, on a weekly basis. These calls last on average 30 minutes and have a huge impact on client welfare.
The SARAC helpline is an incredibly powerful service for clients needing someone to talk to. It requires the use of focused listening skills to build rapport with clients, to promote their wellbeing and explore the impact of trauma from sexual violence in a safe environment. It is an incredibly rewarding experience and an opportunity to not only work in an inspiring team of people, but also to make a genuine difference to the lives of people suffering.
We support our volunteers by providing extensive training in sexual abuse, the criminal justice system, and emotional support skills. Volunteers have access to on-going training, supervision with a counselling supervisor each month, and regular monthly team meetings.
One of our fantastic team members spoke to us about their experiences volunteering at SARAC:
“Being a volunteer is such a privilege; being able to listen to clients who need support and seeing their progression is so rewarding. The clients are so appreciative of the time and dedication you can give them and being able to help them find their own way to move forward has shown me that working together really can make a difference. We shouldn’t undervalue the ability to make a positive change to someone’s life.”
Please visit www.sarac.org.uk to download an application form. Once complete, return to the following email address:staff@sarac.org.uk.
You can also request an application form by emailing staff@sarac.org.uk or by telephone at 01283 535110.
