About Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC)
The ISPCC has been protecting children and championing their rights since 1889. Every year the Society works with thousands of children and parents to build stronger, healthier families, who can cope with challenges, solve problems and raise happy resilient children. The ISPCC provides a range of family support services with a model of child centred practice. They main services provided to children and families are: Childhood Support Service, Childline Listening and Childline Digital Supports.
What's Involved
ISPCC offers a listening service for anyone under the age of 18. It's Ireland's only 24 hours listening service and we are looking for volunteers.
Volunteers play a hugely significant role in helping Childline to listen to children at units across Ireland. The Childline service is staffed by a team of volunteers and staff members who train and supervise volunteers to ensure a consistent and high quality service to children and young people.
Childline volunteers are of all ages and come from all backgrounds. They unite with a common purpose: to ensure children have someone who will listen. Childline volunteers do not need any prior qualifications. Comprehensive training and ongoing support is provided to all Childline volunteers before they answer their first call and for the duration of their time as a Childline volunteer.
Time Commitment
You need to commit to a one 4 hour shift per week. No qualifications are needed. Pass an initial recruitment and selection criteria, take part in a 5 week training course plus shadowing of experienced volunteers and supervision by experienced staff/volunteers.
Volunteer Training & Support
All Childline volunteers are trained to listen and to and empower young people over phone call, text and online chat. There will be an 5 week training course plus shadowing of experienced volunteers and supervision by experienced staff/volunteers. Our mandatory training takes place on Saturdays (10am - 4:30pm) and will begin on Saturday 13th of April.
Volunteer Information Session
To become a volunteer you are required to attend an information evening as first step of our recruitment process. This information evening will let you know what to expect from volunteering and explain how we work.
Further information about volunteering with Childline
What's required for this position
We are looking for non-judgemental, non directive, active listening people.
No qualifications are needed. Pass an initial recruitment and selection criteria, take part in 5 days of training (across 5 Saturdays) plus shadowing of experienced volunteers and supervision by experienced staff/volunteers.
You will be trained to actively listen, empower and support young people.
- Personable Skills
- Phone Support/ Information Giver
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Intermediate English
Times and commitment required for this role
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 4hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
You will be volunteering from ISPCC HQ in Dún Laoghaire.
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
- Physical Disability
- Mental Health Difficulties
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Our volunteers are given training and support throughout.
