Volunteer Support Workers

How do I apply?

Please complete the Volunteer application form and you can either email it through our info box at info@rasane.org.uk or print it out and send it into our centre, Rape & Abuse Support, 88 John Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1LE

What happens next?

A member of staff will then contact you either by email or by writing to the address you have provided and inform you of when we will next be running our training.

If training is to run soon after your application has been received you will be asked to come in for an interview and chat about the Centre, the work we do here and what the training will involve.

If I am accepted on to the volunteer training what will this involve?

We currently run the volunteer support worker training from 10am until 5pm on a Sunday for a period of 9 weeks of 60 hours in total. The training is very comprehensive and looks at a number of emotive subjects including rape and the law, child sexual abuse, self harm and suicide. The training involves group work, role play and helpline scenarios.

Once trained as a volunteer support worker what can I expect?

We offer a helpline support service and we also offer one to one support work with female survivors. Initially you would be asked to cover one helpline shift per week (3 hours) and you would be on shift with an experienced volunteer.

At a later stage and only if you were ready you could then meet with a client on a one to one basis to offer face to face support.

After either each helpline shift or each one to one meeting you have the opportunity to de-brief and offload any emotions that you may have experienced.

Further to this you will meet with the volunteer supervisor once a month and can also contact her at any time in between these organised meetings to discuss any worries or concerns you may have.

What commitment would I have to make to the Centre?

We would ask that you give us a minimum of 3 hours per week, this is over a period of one year.

What are the benefits to me?

You will gain a greater knowledge and understanding of rape and sexual violence from the 60 hours of training and you will also be provided with a certificate of completion. You will learn the relevant skills and qualities needed to become a support worker.

We also offer regular continuing professional development (CPD) in the form of guest speakers from other relevant agencies coming in to give us a talk. To date we have had speakers from:

• Samaritans – focusing on Suicide calls
• Grampian Police – trained Sexual Liaison Officers
• Terrance Higgins Trust – on Sexual Health
• Staff from Peterhead Prison who work with Sex Offenders
• Victim Support
• Penumbra – Self Harm

We find that this gives you an in-depth knowledge which will not only help your work within the centre but will greatly benefit you in your own personal development.

Volunteer - Board of Directors

To find out more on the duties, responsibilities and commitment of being a Director then please go to the Board Members page.