SARSVL Service Delivery Volunteers deliver our Helpline and Counselling servicers and help administer the day to day running of the services at our Centre in Leeds.
Helpline Volunteers
We’re really excited to say we’re expanding our opening hours and adding a new day-time shift, allowing us to be open on 5 different days during the week!
We’re looking specifically for people who would be able to volunteer on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 -4:30 pm and could also offer an alternative evening sometime in the future, as we may need to swap shifts around in the future as we continue to grow our opening hours.
Being a Helpline Volunteer at SARSVL gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women and girls affected by sexual violence and rape. It’s also a good opportunity to meet new people, learn about the Rape Crisis movement and develop within a feminist organisation.
Helpline Volunteers answer calls and help administer the day to day running of the helpline. The main activity is answering calls, e-mails, and text messages from people who have been affected by or have experienced any form of sexual abuse in their lives. All our helpline volunteers undertake a comprehensive in-house training programme covering listening skills and knowledge around aspects of sexual violence.
We recruit women to our helpline training course as a cohort once or twice a year. To apply, you must be 18 or over and be able to attend the selection day and minimum of 80% of the training dates which are advertised as part of our active recruitment – please read the application pack below for more detailed information.
If you think you’d be able to join our volunteer team, we would love to hear from you. Read our application pack with more details on the role and course, fill out an application form and the Equality and Inclusion form, and return them both to info@sarsvl.org.uk.
Please note: The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 2nd May. Incomplete applications or applications received after this time will not be accepted.
Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form
Counselling Volunteers
Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) is looking for volunteer counsellors or psychotherapists to join a committed, skilled and friendly team of professionals who deliver counselling to women over the age of 18 in Leeds, who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
This role is suitable for Counsellors and Psychotherapists who would like to develop and integrate ways of working that include an empowerment, holistic and trauma informed approach. This role is suitable for qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists who have completed 100 face to face supervised hours. Volunteering as a Counsellor for SARSVL will offer you a possibility of becoming part of supportive therapeutic team, with the opportunity to influence the further development of the specialist Rape Crisis service for women and girls in Leeds. Additionally, you will receive free, monthly individual and group supervision and be invited to attend regular CPD activities.
To apply, download an application pack below:
If you’d like any further information regarding the role, contact info@sarsvl.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
We’re particularly keen to receive applications from Black and Minority Ethnic women, disabled women and older women because we actively aim to reach and represent all of the women of Leeds.
Are you thinking about applying for the role of Counselling Volunteer, but wondering what it might be like volunteering for a Rape Crisis centre? Then look no further – one of our Volunteer Counsellors, Lydia, has given us a short interview below about her experience volunteering at SARSVL…
Q: How would you describe your volunteering experience at SARSVL?
I love volunteering here! [SARSVL is] friendly, supportive, passionate, inspiring, challenging (in a good way!). [SARSVL is also] professional, safe, and responsible in the work that we do and the service that we offer.
Q: What are the reasons for you to volunteer at SARSVL?
To learn to practise in a trauma informed way, within a supportive environment, and to understand how counselling services can operate in the voluntary sector.
Q: If any, is there anything you are getting on personal/professional level from volunteering here?
On a professional level: free, quality supervision; connection with other therapists; and the opportunity to develop new skills with a new client group. On a personal level: I have gained confidence in my practice; feeling of belonging and purpose; and inspiration and motivation for development.