As a Volunteer Helpline Counsellor, you play a vital role in offering empathetic support to children, young people, and adults who may be facing the challenges of alcoholism within their families. You provide a compassionate listening ear through our free, confidential telephone and email helpline, offering a lifeline of care and support to those who often feel isolated in a sometimes-unforgiving world. Our focus is on empowering individuals to plan for a more positive future, showing children that there are alternative possibilities beyond the familiar challenges they have known. With your assistance, they can make positive choices, even if their parent(s) continue to struggle with alcoholism.

Shift Pattern:

Volunteers enjoy a flexible shift pattern, spanning from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. We accommodate your volunteering commitments around your studies or work. We offer DBS checks to volunteers at no cost, following the completion of training.

Training:

Volunteer Helpline Counsellors are required to complete our Foundation Training Programme, which covers understanding alcohol dependency and its impact on families and effective listening skills. As well as inductions to the Nacoa helpline policies, procedures and resources.

Following training, we request individuals ideally dedicate 3 hours per week to their volunteering role. You will be supervised and supported on each shift.

1 in 5 children in the UK grow up with a parent who drink too much. Your role as a Volunteer Helpline Counsellor provides essential support, guidance, and hope to those in need. You contribute to creating a more positive future for those impacted by alcoholism in their families, making a meaningful difference in their lives. Volunteers will receive valuable experience, skill development, and the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause as well as join a wonderful supportive community.

Thank you for considering this role.