ChildLine Volunteer counsellor

Every day, ChildLine volunteer counsellors are available for the many children and young people who contact us.  Our volunteers don’t have to be experts, they are trained in the counselling skills that will enable them to offer comfort, support and, where appropriate, practical advice and protection to our callers, whatever their concern. 

One of our counselling volunteers talks about her role on the helpline below:

What attracted you to the role?

“I came across ChildLine on a poster.  I remember the poster said ChildLine really needed people to talk to children and young People and I had lots of spare time to offer. Since then I have been offering a regular weekly commitment of one shift per week. I feel very proud to be part of ChildLine and find the work they do to be very rewarding.”

Can you describe a typical shift?

“Every shift is different to the last and no two calls are ever the same. I start by attending a brief to prepare me for the shift ahead and then start taking calls.  I talk to children and young people over the phone, through online chat and via email about a whole range of issues including bullying, self harm and family relationships.  If I am ever unsure about anything I just put my hand up to alert a supervisor to help me. I get to meet lots of different people at ChildLine and the support network allows me to make the best of my counselling skills.  There are lots of ongoing training sessions to help brush up on counselling skills too.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

“The most rewarding part of the role for me is that I know I have made a difference to a child’s life and without me or any other of the volunteers that give their free time to help children I know they wouldn’t receive the support or help they need! I have learnt a lot about myself through volunteering with ChildLine and participate in ongoing training to learn more about the issues that affect children and young people.”

Is this role for me?

If you’re a good listener, open minded and can commit to a regular weekly shift of 4 ¼ hours for a minimum of one year after training then counselling at ChildLine could be the role for you. 

To find out more about becoming a counselling volunteer, find volunteering opportunities in your area.

General ChildLine volunteering questions

ChildLine helpline frequently asked questions