Outline is the only information and advice line for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. people in Surrey and we are looking for your help. The helpline operates on Tuesday and Sunday evenings between 7.30 and 10.00pm.

Outline is run entirely by volunteers. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes and from the most diverse backgrounds you can imagine. We are actively looking for more volunteers at the moment. We accept applications all year round. We are also very keen to re-engage with former volunteers who were previously unable to give the necessary time to the organisation as their circumstances may have now changed.

Volunteers want to make a difference to the community, especially the gay community. Most of us have been there and know something of the issues involved in coming out, unravelling our feelings about our sexuality, relationship problems, sexual health and all the other things we have to deal with. Sometimes, it isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s down right difficult and it screws us up very badly. No-one can sort out our problems for us, but the Outline volunteers are trained to create the right sort of atmosphere and with time and empathy are prepared to talk anything through with callers. Emotionally, it can be very draining for a volunteer, but that is the commitment they give to the organisation. Join the team and you’ll never regret it.

All people who are interested in working on the helpline will be interviewed and then take part in a full training programme. We accept applications all year round and training takes place twice yearly. The training group meets on a weekly basis and covers topics including: listening and basic counselling skills, sexuality and coming out.

Calls to the line range from people needing directions to the nearest gay pub to those who need support in telling their friends and family that they are gay.

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What Does Outline Need?
Committed, reliable volunteers who are prepared to spare a little of their precious time in order to support others from the LGBT community.

What can I do for Outline?
Outline is run entirely by volunteers. There are a number of different volunteer roles available. All of them are necessary to ensure that the charity operates efficiently and effectively.

Telephone Helpline / Written Support
Answer calls on a telephone helpline as well as Signpost and refer service users responding to letters/emails/faxes from services users. Training is imperative. 7.30-10.00pm, one duty per month minimum.
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Administrator
General office duties including compilation of helpline rota, collation of statistics and letter writing. Time is flexible - one duty per month minimum.
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Resources Support
Duties include identifying new sources of information, maintaining and updating Outline's reference material, identifying relevant websites and analysing Outline statistics. One duty per month.
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IT Support
Duties including maintaining the database, designing/updating website and providing IT support/training for volunteers. One duty per month.
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Public Relations Volunteer
Duties include creating an advertising strategy, co-ordinating an advertising campaign, designing advertising/promotional leaflets and liaising with media to promote Outline's services. One duty per month.
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Events Planning
Duties include organising fundraising/social & entertainment evenings, building a database of venues/entertainers/supporters & guests, obtaining raffle prizes and seeking donations/sponsorship in kind.
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Personnel Support
Duties include co-ordinating all aspects of volunteer recruitment, producing and sending out information packs and application forms, arranging selection interviews, planning training programmes and maintaining files. Flexible hours - one duty per month.
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Counsellor
Sole duty is to provide counselling support to service users who will be referred from the helpline. Hours flexible - as required.
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