I think it’s the best support service I’ve ever experienced

by | 17/ Jan/ 2022 | Blog, Volunteering

Man talking about his experience to an audience of staff and volunteers

Andy shares his experience of our listening service and how it’s helped him find stability during the pandemic

I’m Andy, and I’m 54 years old. I found the Rapha Listening Service online after struggling with the pandemic restrictions. I referred myself and had my first session with Duncan, a volunteer listener, at the end of November 2020.

The listening sessions

We built a rapport very quickly. Talking to Duncan was like having a slightly older brother.

At the end of each session, we reflected on what was said. It felt good to be able to get things out there without feeling judged.

Because of COVID, all my sessions were by phone. Then, as things improved, we moved to face to face. It was great to put a face to the name finally!

Andy’s struggle with mental health

I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 11 years old and started using drugs and alcohol to cope with my mental health when I was 18.  At that time, my parents had no idea how to support me.

I have been in and out of different forms of support ever since and finally stopped using alcohol and drugs to cope 8 ½ years ago.

Why does the listening service work for Andy?

I’m not a fan of conventional talking therapies; I feel the counsellor is trying to fix me. I don’t feel this way about the listening service because it’s the total opposite – I think it’s the best support service I’ve ever experienced. I’m now in a place where I feel able to give back and become a listener myself.

If you would like to access our service, which is available to anyone living in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, visit our Listening Service page on this website. However, please be aware that this is a short wait before you can access a listener.

If you would like to volunteer with us, you can find out more on our volunteering page.

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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