DARTFORD GIVING
By Kate Hargreaves
I hope your 2021 has started well so far… Last year was incredibly tough for so many people in so many different ways, but imagine being a child and experiencing things even worse than your 2020…
...This month I’ve talked to my good friend James Sims, who has worked at Childline (part of the NSPCC) for the last six years and volunteered there for four years before that. He is currently a supervisor of volunteer counsellors who help vulnerable children in times of crisis. Childline volunteer counsellor “What is it?” This involves lending your time to support vulnerable young people who contact the service, by phone, email or oneto-one instant chat online. Young people can contact Childline about anything that is on their mind, for themselves or for their friends. Unfortunately, many calls go unanswered; in these challenging times, volunteers are needed more than ever. “Would I enjoy it?” There is a perception that it will be very upsetting, and it can be, but you also offer support to those young people who have nowhere else to turn – you could be that contact
10
transferable skills from the training and the whole experience, it could lead to a new career or employment, like it did for James. “Are there any requirements?” DBS checks, references and additional safeguarding checks will be required, and there is a long training process. To do well in the role, you should be empathetic and perceptive, with strong emotional resilience and good self-awareness.
“Anything else I need to know?” A lot of people think of it as “I want to help young people” and expect to advise them. The role is more about listening to young people, providing them a safe space to talk, and giving when no one else will listen. James an empathetic response. Primarily genuinely loves what he does and the role is carried out from an office is proud that they are offering an in Shoreditch, London. amazing and unique service to young people. Although it can be tough, that “This sounds great, how do I get also makes it incredibly rewarding. involved?” Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/ “How much time do I need for it?” volunteering-nspcc-childline/ Due to the nature of the role, a lot of and complete an online application training is required, usually taking two form. You will then be invited to an to three months, including face-toinformation meeting on Zoom. If face training, assessments, practice you’re keen to get involved, there shifts and online learning, which costs will be an interview on Zoom, and the NSPCC a lot; therefore a year’s then an in-depth training programme. commitment is required. You’d be Once you become a counsellor, you expected to do 40 shifts a year, of will be assigned a supervisor, such around four hours each. as James, who will be responsible for your development, safety and “What would I get out of it?” You wellbeing, and provide regular could find that the training not only supervisions. As always, if you have helps you support young people at any questions, feel free to email Childline, but also helps in other kate@dartfordliving.com. areas of your day-to-day life and relationships with people of all ages. If you are a young person in need Many volunteers report that it has of support, remember that you are helped in their day jobs, increased not alone. Please phone Childline their self-awareness and empathy, on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline. and improved their communication org.uk/get-support skills particularly around having difficult conversations. As well as the
