Urgently required: Rapha Listening Service volunteers

by | 18/ Jun/ 2021 | Blog, Volunteer interviews, Volunteering

We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis and demand for our listening service is strong.

We urgently need volunteers from all walks of life to support community members with low-level mental health problems. The shortage of male volunteers is particularly acute – many of our male service users prefer to talk to another man, and we are not currently able to meet this need for everyone.

What would you do as a listening volunteer?

Your role will let service users talk through their feelings and experiences without judging or telling them what to do. So the key qualities we look for in our volunteers are compassion and a non-judgemental attitude.

Are sessions face to face?

Our service is being delivered over the phone, so it doesn’t matter where you live.

How much time will I need to give?

After training, we ask for a minimum of 1 hour a week.

What support and training will I receive?

You will receive full training from a third-party specialist organisation called Acorn and ongoing support from Bethel employees as well as access to a 24/7 helpline. Our training sessions occur via Zoom and are usually held on two consecutive mornings, (10am to 12.30pm). Therefore, you will need to attend both sessions.

How do I apply?

Fill in an online application form. You will then be invited to attend an online interview and if successful, training will follow soon afterwards. If you’re interested in finding out more about what it’s actually like to be a volunteer listener, you can read an interview with one of our volunteers.

Contact details

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Calis, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 0777 668 6855 or email calis@bethelnetwork.org.uk.  Calis is part-time and works Tuesday to Thursday.

As a Doula Champion, you might accompany expectant mothers to prenatal appointments, provide birthing support if needed, help new mums with newborn care and breastfeeding, and ensure they attend their 6-week postnatal checks. You become a trusted companion and advocate for mothers who might otherwise be alone or uncertain.

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You will receive accredited doula training from experienced professionals (led by an ex-NHS midwife) , covering birth coaching, maternal health, and safeguarding. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills and
confidence to support women one-on-one.

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This pathway is ideal if you are interested in maternity care or midwifery. It offers invaluable hands-on experience – from attending births (optionally) to postpartum support – giving you a taste of a career in maternal health. Many Doula Champions use this experience as a springboard into NHS roles, midwifery training, or paid doula work in the future.

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Key activities: You will provide one-to-one support through active listening sessions – this could be over the phone, via video call, or in person. You let people share their feelings, and you offer empathy and guidance towards further help if needed (such as suggesting community services). Often, just being there to listen can make a huge difference.

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Training provided: You will undergo intensive training in reflective listening and mental health first response. Our training (often delivered via Zoom over a series of sessions) will teach you how to handle sensitive conversations, maintain confidentiality, and know your boundaries . By completion, you’ll be a certified listening volunteer with skills applicable to counseling or psychology fields.

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Emphasize volunteer scope: Rapha Champions commit to at least an hour per week of listening support for a client after training , which can often be arranged flexibly. You might have regular weekly calls with a client for a period of time. There are also opportunities to facilitate group sessions or community support groups as you grow in experience.

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Benefits and career pathways: This pathway is perfect if you’re interested in mental health, counseling, or social work. The experience you gain – in communication, empathy, and understanding mental health – is highly relevant to careers in counseling, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, or community support roles. Rapha Champions have a pathway to progress into formal counseling courses or mental health roles in the NHS or voluntary sector.” (For example, mention “You could go on to become a paid listening service coordinator or pursue qualifications in therapy – the programme can open these doors.

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