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Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans people and anyone who needs to talk. The helpline and IM operate from 10am to 10pm seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. We have provided support and information to millions of people since our phone started ringing in 1974. Throughout our history, we have been at the…
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Description

Being a volunteer for Switchboard is a hugely rewarding and fulfilling experience where no two shifts are ever the same. Volunteering with us allows you to make a real difference to the lives of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans/non-binary people – and their families and friends. The interpersonal skills you acquire during the training aren’t just valuable when you’re supporting those who contact us, you’ll probably find them coming in useful in other aspects of your life. You’ll also meet new people, learn from their experience and make an active contribution to the wider LGBT+ communities.

Duties

To be one of our Listening Volunteers ask yourself the following questions:

 

  • Do you want to give something back to the LGBT+ communities?

  • Can you commit to at least six hours for Switchboard every month?

  • Are you able to listen with empathy and without judging?

  • Are you interested in empowering others to make decisions for themselves?

 

If the answer to these is ‘yes’, then we would love to hear from you.

Training
If you’re accepted, you’ll take part in a series of training sessions which are designed to develop your active listening skills. Through role plays and case studies as part of a guided course, you will learn in a supportive and fun environment. At the end of the course, there’s an assessment, before you are allocated a mentor to assist you in taking calls.

Time commitment

We ask each Listening Volunteer to commit 18 hours per quarter to help us cover our services.

Categories

UCL Departments

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.