You will take telephone conversations with adults who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. You will listen and support people alongside working towards a collaborative plan of next steps for the person to feel calmer and safe. This may include signposting or a referral to short term telephone counselling delivered by Isle Stand up to Suicide.

 

You may also support friends, family, professionals or members of the public with concerns or queries. Additionally, on telephone calls where a person is at immediate risk of danger to themselves or others and safety cannot be planned, you may also liaise with emergency services for their safety.*

 

Volunteer shifts for our telephone helpline are typically two to four hours long** with shifts available daily between 14:00 - 22:00 hrs. This offers flexibility to volunteer in and around your routine.

 

*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other duties or actions may be required as relevant.

 

**Please be aware that shifts may be longer if you take a telephone call near the end of your shift.

 

How do I answer telephone calls?

 

We use a purpose built app to take telephone calls. This app is downloaded onto your mobile phone or a tablet which you log in to, to receive telephone calls.

 

Where do I answer telephone calls?

 

As we use an app, you can take telephone calls from anywhere in the Isle of Man providing you have reliable and secure mobile data or wifi connection, and have access to a quiet and confidential area.

 

What training do I need or will be provided to become a volunteer?

 

To be a volunteer for the telephone helpline you must have completed both QPR training and an internal training workshop before you are able to take any telephone calls.

 

Are there any further requirements to volunteer?

 

To volunteer for the telephone helpline you must be aged 18 years or older, agreeable to our volunteer code of conduct and undergo an enhanced DBS check (the cost of this is covered). 

 

We importantly ask you to be mindful of your mental health and wellbeing prior to considering volunteering for our telephone helpline as answering telephone calls is not for everyone. If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

What ongoing support is available?

 

During a shift, you will be able to contact a ‘buddy’ to discuss any concerns or debrief after a telephone conversation or shift. We also provide opportunities for supervision with a professional and experienced supervisor. 

 

You will also have the opportunity to partake in further internal and external training opportunities as these arise (e.g. with third-party partners).

 

I’m interested in volunteering on the telephone helpline, what are the next steps?

 

If you would like to discuss this volunteering opportunity further and explore next steps, please click the Get In touch.

 

Not sure if being a telephone helpline volunteer is for you but would still like to be involved?

 

Being a telephone helpline volunteer is not for everyone and we appreciate that. There are many ways you can be involved with Isle Stand up to Suicide (e.g. attending of awareness or fundraising opportunities, spreading our word by talking about the charity or distributing promotional materials). If you would like to explore possible opportunities, check out our general volunteer/fundraise section.