Wellbeing and Mental Health Listening and Text Service Volunteers

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Wellbeing, Mental Health Helpline and Texting Service is looking for caring and compassionate individuals who have an interest in mental health to volunteer within their busy listening and texting service.

The service is a freephone out of hours, person centred listening environment for people requiring emotional support in relation to their own mental health or that of someone they know. The helpline aims to empower callers through active listening and information to make their own choices about how their health care needs may be met.

Fully trained volunteers operate the helpline, they offer their time to listen and support callers. The service is staffed by volunteers that are recruited from the FY and PR postcode areas and are trained by the service.

The out of hours service operates 365 days a year, Monday to Friday (7pm-11pm) and Saturday and Sunday (12pm-12am). Volunteers are required within these hours to operate the helpline, with specific days/times of availability discussed upon application.

Applicants are requested to complete a Helpline Application Form rather than an online application for this role. Should you wish to apply, please contact the helpline on 01253 447900 or email listening.helpline@lscft.nhs.uk

Add to wishlist Apply Now

Tasks:

Provide emotional support via text and telephone conversation in a professional and sensitive manner to the people of Lancashire & South Cumbria relating to mental health issues and provide factual information where appropriate
To promote mental wellbeing and reduce stigma
To provide ‘out of hours’ telephone support to anyone concerned about their own mental health of that of someone they know
To provide mental health information and offer details of local and national support groups
To provide immediate emotional support for anyone experiencing distress
To empower callers through information to make their own choices about how their healthcare needs may be met
Attend regular training and feedback sessions as required.

Required Qualities:

Good communicator
Caring and compassionate attitude
Interest in mental health
Mature outlook and non-judgmental approach to people’s problems
Positive and non-judgemental approach
Interested in supporting others.

Training:

You will be required to complete an initial training course before starting volunteering for the service, and attend regular training and feedback sessions as required. You will be trained to provide emotional support via text and telephone conversation in a professional and sensitive manner to the people of Lancashire & South Cumbria relating to mental health issues and provide factual information where appropriate.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer will be required to complete a mandatory training package. Please note, full reference and Standard DBS checks will be made in line with NHS regulations.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Listening and Text Service Volunteers