Volunteer as a listener

Become a volunteer with our Rapha Listening Service

We need volunteers from all walks of life to support community members with mental health challenges. We especially welcome male volunteers to meet demand from men who prefer to talk to another man.

At a glance: Training via Zoom (2 mornings, 10:00–12:30) • Mobile phone provided • Male volunteers especially welcomed.

What will I do as a listening volunteer?

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

Are sessions face to face?

Our service is delivered by phone and online, so you can volunteer from anywhere. We expect to offer some face-to-face options alongside our telephone service in the near future.

How much time will I need to give?

  • After training, a minimum of 1 hour per week with a service user.
  • Complete a brief report after each session.
  • Attend regular Zoom supervision meetings with staff for support.

What support and training will I receive?

  • Full training in reflective listening.
  • Ongoing support plus access to a 24/7 helpline.
  • Initial training via Zoom on two consecutive mornings (10:00–12:30)   attendance at both is required.
  • Volunteers are provided with a mobile phone.

Volunteering and Universal Credit

If you get Universal Credit, your volunteering can count towards up to half the time you agree to spend looking for and preparing for work in your Claimant Commitment. Tell the office that pays your benefits about any volunteering before you start and check the official guidance.

GOV.UK: Volunteering and claiming benefits · Citizens Advice: How volunteering affects your benefits

How do I apply?

Register your interest using the form . A member of our team will get in touch to tell you more about what’s involved, and together you can decide whether to go forward. To learn what it’s like to be a volunteer listener, read an interview with one of our volunteers.

Contact us

Contact Calis, Volunteer Co-ordinator
0777 668 6855 · calis@bethelnetwork.org.uk
Calis works part-time, Tuesday to Thursday.

Bethel Health & Healing Network

I have really enjoyed my time with the listening service and I am sad to go! It has been such a rewarding and enriching experience. Everyone working for Bethel is an inspiration, it’s a great organisation and everyone’s commitment is beautiful.

Former volunteer listener 2021

Apply

180+ people are waiting – could you give ~1hr/week?

Apply to become a listening volunteer

To register your interest as a volunteer, please fill in the form below and a member of the team will contact you to talk to you about the role.

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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