Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) helpline volunteers must complete the training provided and make a strong commitment to their agreed availability.

Helpline volunteers answer calls and help administrate the day to day running of the helpline. The main activity will be answering calls from women who have suffered any form of sexual abuse. The role of the helpline volunteers is as follows:

  • To listen actively in a non-judgemental, supportive way
  • To respond calmly and supportively by understanding that abuse will bring up difficult emotions for callers
  • To signpost callers on to other organisations when callers are looking for further support
  • To support callers as they explore their circumstances and options during the call
  • To help the caller to make her own choices enabling her to move forward

How SARSVL supports our Volunteers

  • We provide a safe environment for you to work in
  • We provide training over 8 weeks to ensure you have the understanding necessary to feel confident in your role as a volunteer, and then additional training throughout the year on specific topics and issues
  • We provide guidance and support to discuss your work for the helpline and any successes and difficulties
  • We reimburse all relevant expenses
  • We will always ensure tea, coffee and biscuits are available

Would you like to get more involved in our helpline?

If you are interested in becoming a helpline volunteer at SARSVL we ask you to complete an application form and a Criminal Records Bureau form. Click below for an application form:

SARSVL Helpline Volunteer Application Form

Keep a look out on the website for dates of selection and training. For more information, or to register your interest as a helpline volunteer, please email us at info.sarsvl@googlemail.com.

Once we have received your completed application form we will let you know if you are invited to a SARSVL helpline volunteer selection evening so that you can find out more about us, and so we can meet you and assess your suitability for helpline volunteer training. After this we will invite you to the SARSVL Helpline Basic Training Course, if we are confident that you will be able to complete it.