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Working to end sexual violence

Helpline 08088 010302

Volunteering

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Equality for All graphic

Volunteers are valued members of the Rape Crisis Scotland team, and essential to the operation of our National Helpline. We want volunteers from a range of backgrounds and circumstances, because we believe this helps us provide the best service and reflects the varied life experiences of those who access our helpline.

Who are we looking for?

We want to have a staff and volunteer base that reflects the communities that we support, as well as those who we intend to continue reaching out to, and so we actively encourage applications from Black women, minoritised women and trans women.

We want to hear from you if you:

  • Have some awareness of or interest in the issues around sexual violence
  • Are committed to equality for all
  • Are able to commit time and energy to working with Rape Crisis Scotland
  • Are based in Glasgow (if you live elsewhere in Scotland and would like to get involved, please contact your local Rape Crisis Centre. You can find your local centre here).

 

“I have realised the hope and positivity there is for women who have experienced sexual violence. People used to say to me, ‘How can you do that? It must be so depressing?’ But I never felt that. I always found working the helpline to be rewarding and inspiring, which are attributes I try to bring to any situation requiring support now.”

 

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Survivors as volunteers

Rape Crisis Scotland has always been a survivor-led organisation and survivors’ voices have always been central to the work that we do.

Some workers on the helpline are survivors of sexual violence and others are not.

If you’re a survivor we would recommend an interlude of 2 years between the end of any support you might be receiving around your own experience, and starting volunteer training.

 

What does volunteering involve?

The main remit of RCS helpline volunteers is to provide emotional support, information and signposting to anyone aged 13+ who has been affected by sexual violence, including survivors, family, friends or workers.

This takes place via phone, email and text. The helpline has access to LanguageLine services for those who English is a second language and a deaf access service for BSL users.

 

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What kind of training is given?

Our induction training for women interested in volunteering with the RCS helpline lasts approximately 10 weeks and covers issues like anti-discriminatory practice, the impact and nature of sexual violence, telephone support skills, police and legal procedures, plus specific practice around issues such as self-harm, suicide, adult and child protection.

The training is assessed throughout and is followed by shadowing shifts where you get to know the existing team and listen to practice before starting on the line yourself with colleagues listening in to your calls.

There is a mid-way and a final review meeting to monitor progress and address any issues.

 

“As a teacher, I apply elements of the support skills I used at the helpline daily. I now realise there is so much more than what presents on the surface. Patience, flexibility, signposting and adopting a supportive and caring approach are deeply effective in my employment.”

 

Calendar

When does recruitment take place?

We usually recruit for new volunteers every year. Our next intake of volunteers will be around August 2024 and we are keeping a list of people who may be interested to volunteer with us for when we advertise the training. If you would be interested in us contacting you when this happens, please contact us. Alternatively, follow us on social media or check on this page for updates. 

Want to find out more?

For more information about volunteering with Rape Crisis Scotland, get in touch.

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