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 when no one else will listen. James genuinely loves what he does and is proud that they are offering an amazing and unique service to young people. Although it can be tough, that also makes it incredibly rewarding.

“How much time do I need for it?” Due to the nature of the role, a lot of training is required, usually taking two to three months, including face-toface training, assessments, practice shifts and online learning, which costs the NSPCC a lot; therefore a year’s commitment is required. You’d be expected to do 40 shifts a year, of around four hours each.

“What would I get out of it?” You could find that the training not only helps you support young people at Childline, but also helps in other areas of your day-to-day life and relationships with people of all ages. Many volunteers report that it has helped in their day jobs, increased their self-awareness and empathy, and improved their communication skills particularly around having difficult conversations. As well as the 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 an empathetic response. Primarily the role is carried out from an office in Shoreditch, London.

“This sounds great, how do I get involved?” Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/ volunteering-nspcc-childline/ and complete an online application form. You will then be invited to an information meeting on Zoom. If you’re keen to get involved, there will be an interview on Zoom, and then an in-depth training programme. Once you become a counsellor, you will be assigned a supervisor, such as James, who will be responsible for your development, safety and wellbeing, and provide regular supervisions. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to email kate@dartfordliving.com.

If you are a young person in need of support, remember that you are not alone. Please phone Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline. org.uk/get-support