We welcome applications for future training and volunteering opportunities.
Our national helpline operates 24/7, every day of the year, providing support, education, and anxiety management techniques for those living with anxiety and their whānau/family and friends.
Basic Role Description: Taking calls from people experiencing anxiety who may want help with anxiety management such as breathing and relaxation techniques, support, and education. Shifts are done at the volunteer's home, receiving calls on your mobile phone (diverted from our 0800 number).
Suitability: Our volunteers receive full training, but suitable applicants would meet a certain level of mental health study or work experience (e.g. suits university psychology students who are at least in their 2nd year of study, or anyone with a Level 4 Mental Health qualification). Preference for those with mātau ā-wheako (lived experience) of mental health distress or experience supporting anxious whānau/family. Volunteers also need to be responsible, reliable, and have excellent people skills as the role involves communicating with highly distressed and at-risk individuals. As the role is done from home, it is open to applicants living anywhere in Aotearoa NZ or with mobility limitations/disabilities.
Supervision and Support: Full training is provided, and volunteers are buddied through initial shifts. A supervisor is on call 24/7 to help in emergency situations and to provide debriefing and support. There are also monthly meetings when the Helpline Team comes together for group debriefing and training (3pm-5pm, first Sunday of each month).
Where: Shifts are done from the volunteer’s own home anywhere in Aotearoa NZ. Training is held online. Monthly meetings alternate between being held online and in person at a location near our Anxiety Clinic (St Lukes, Auckland). Volunteers living outside Auckland are exempt from Auckland-based meetings/trainings/events (but very welcome to join).
Shifts: A commitment of at least 12 months volunteering is required. The Helpline operates 24/7 so a range of shifts require cover, including office hours, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holiday periods. Volunteers would need to commit to one regular weekly or fortnightly shift, but this can be changed as required.
Training: No costs. Involves 6 x 4-hour sessions on Teams, as well as three brief online courses and an online tutorial about our helpline's tech and support systems.
The Helpline Training Programme typically runs for new Helpline Volunteer Workers 4 times a year. The training takes place over two weeks and is usually held in university semester breaks.
Recruitment for new applicants takes place in the 1 to 2 months before the training programme starts. Please email the Helpline Manager below with any enquiries.
You can also apply directly for the Helpline Volunteer Training Program by clicking the button below.
