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 problems. The shortage of male volunteers is particularly acute. Many of our male service users prefer to talk to another man, but we are not able to meet this need for everyone.

What would I do as a listening volunteer?

Your role will be to 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 delivered over the phone and online, so it doesn’t matter where you live, you can volunteer with us. We do 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, we ask for a minimum of 1 hour a week to work with a service user and to complete a brief report each time you meet with a client. We also ask that you attend regular Zoom supervision meetings with staff to make sure that you are both confident and coping with what can be a demanding role. 

What support and training will I receive?

You will receive full training in reflective listening. We also offer regular ongoing support as well as access to a 24/7 helpline.

Our initial 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.

Volunteers will be given a mobile phone.

Volunteering and claiming Universal Credit

If you get Universal Credit, your volunteering can count to 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 that you are planning to do before you start.  You will find more details at Gov.UK

How do I apply?

Register your interest using the form on this page. A member of the team will get in touch to tell you more about what’s involved and together you can decide whether to go forward.  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.

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 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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds