Helpline Volunteer

To support callers to the helpline with drug or alcohol concerns or those with mild to moderate mental health issues including their friends and family.

You will be trained in; offering advice, giving appropriate information, harm minimisation techniques; guidance on helpful techniques for difficulties experienced by the caller, when to signpost to emergency services, signposting to relevant services or organsations and refering into treatment as appropriate.

Our Helpline volunteers are an integral and valuable part of SDAC. We offer a good support network and on going training program to develop skills on the Helpline. We positively encourage volunteers from a diversity of backgrounds.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 18 months following training and for one 5 hour shift to be taken every week, where possible, or fortnight.

What skills do I need?

• Ability to relate with empathy
• Ability to handle complex calls robustly
  
• Good listening skills
• Good communication skills
• Good team player
• A calm patient and professional manner
• Ability to work alone from home in a quiet space
• Basic IT skills – able to send and receive email and research the internet
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Understand the importance of maintaining personal and professional boundaries

We are a 24 hour helpline so volunteers can either book a regular day and time i.e. every Monday from 8am to 1pm or volunteers who book shifts on a fortnightly basis.

Our next training course will be held online via Zoom on Saturday 20th and 27th April from 9.30am to 2.30pm.