This form is to be completed by those interested in volunteering for Bristol Nightline as a Listening Volunteer.
It is to be used if our main application form is not open. Please complete this form so that we can notify you when application forms do open!
Please be aware that only students at the University of Bristol are able to volunteer as listening volunteers.
Role Description:
Listening Volunteers work in small groups to answer calls and respond to messages during night shifts. Their responsibilities include:
- signing up to at least three night shifts every term (minimum 36 hours time commitment per term)
- volunteering on site at the Nightline office, located near the UOB campus
- providing a listening ear to callers on calls concerning a range of topics
- showing high levels of empathy, sincerity and acceptance towards callers
- remaining calm during potentially distressing calls
- providing information to callers who request it
- adhering to Nightline values, policies and call-taking techniques
- logging all communications on our online system
- attending welfare meetings and ongoing training sessions organised by Bristol Nightline
All listening volunteers complete at least 16 hours of rigorous training before taking calls for the service.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a good understanding of how Nightline operates
- clear motivations
- dedication to commit to long-term volunteering
- enthusiasm to learn
- high levels of empathy
- their status as a registered student at the University of Bristol (not in TB2 of their final year)
Experience working or volunteering with mental health services is not required.
Please bare in mind that our training program consists of the following:
- A detailed application form with various questions to be completed by our deadline.
- An online training session that introduces the key concepts of call taking.
- 2 in-person sessions run over a weekend, 10am-4.30pm each day.
- Assessments to be completed the week after training.
PROVISIONAL dates for our upcoming training programs:
Our next Training will take place in late May/ early June 2024. Dates will be confirmed by the end of April.
If you have any questions regarding our training program or life as a listening volunteer, please drop us an email at training@bristol.nightline.ac.uk.
We will be happy to hear from you!
