Groupwork and Helpline Volunteers at Survivors’ Network

What does the opportunity involve doing?

Survivors Network is the Rape Crisis center for Sussex. We support all survivors of sexual violence, no matter when or how the abuse happened. We are recruiting for compassionate volunteers to support survivors via our helpline/ email support and at our groups. We value our volunteers and we could not deliver theses services without them.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to support our helpline / email service, our in-person peer support groups, our over 50s group, Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness groups and our online groups which run throughout the week.

You will need to be able to commit to 3-4 shifts per month, shifts are usually 3 hours.
Helpline shifts are in the evening 18:30 to 21:30 on a Monday and Wednesday 11:30 to 14:30.
Peer support groups are Wednesday evening 18:30 - 20:30, Thursday morning 10:30 - 13:30, and Friday morning 10:30 - 13:30 (Age 50+).

Recruitment is open to all people aged 21 or above.

100% of our current volunteers said they would recommend being a SN volunteer.

We are looking for a wide range of people of different ages, genders and backgrounds to join our fantastic team.

What induction, training and support is offered?

We offer a 5 day induction training which runs in October on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 16th and 17th. All days are 9:45 - 16:30 in person in central Brighton. You must attend all 5 training days in order to become a volunteer. You will receive training such as safeguarding adults and children, working in a trauma informed way, working with survivors of sexual violence, working with individuals with DID, and vicarious trauma.

You will receive ongoing support from the volunteer services manager and the volunteer and helpline coordinator. You will have check ins and appraisals with staff to see what your support needs are throughout and can be put onto the training you feel is appropriate and beneficial to your role.

In addition you also receive group clinical supervision with a qualified therapist once a month.

We also offer team days and meals out to our volunteers and we value them highly.

What skills or qualities are needed?

- A commitment to the aims of Survivors’ Network and the direct service the volunteer will be working on.
- knowledge of and/or experience of supporting women and/ or gender diverse people, particularly around sexual violence.
- Be able to maintain boundaries and confidentiality, and invest time to familiarise yourself and adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures. 
- Be reliable and able to commit to 4 shifts per month plus monthly clinical supervision
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Show empathy & compassion.
- Able to work as part of a trans inclusive service.
- Have a commitment to self-care & self-compassion.
- Ability to be an effective team member.
- Be able to respond sensitively and non-judgmentally to the practical and emotional content of working with survivors.
- Have IT skills (particularly, be confident in using, email and filling out online forms) .
- Has not been a user of the Survivors’ Network services for two years.
- Be over 21 years old.