Volunteer

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 based in Woking, Surrey and is run entirely by volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. We are actively looking for more volunteers and accept applications all year round.

Why volunteer?

Would you like to...

• try out new types of work
• make a difference to people's lives in your community
• get experience that looks good on your CV
• learn new skills that could lead to a new job
• get free training
• meet new people
• get satisfaction from doing something useful!

Volunteers want to make a difference to the community, especially the gay community. Most of us have experienced 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 that can affect us. Sometimes, it isn’t easy. No-one can sort out our problems for us, but as an Outline volunteer you will be trained to create the right sort of atmosphere and with time and empathy are prepared to talk anything through with callers. Volunteering can also be a good way of meeting other likeminded people and making friends.

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.

We take Calls to the helpline ranging from people needing directions to the nearest gay pub, to those who need support in telling their friends and family that they are gay.

What does Outline need?

The helpline is our core business. We need committed, dedicated individuals willing to offer their time to support others over the phone or by e-mail. No previous experience is necessary as full training will be provided. We ask that all volunteers agree to work at least two 3 hour shifts per month. Shifts are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. An Enhanced CRB disclosure is required for this role, the cost of which will be met by the charity for successful applicants.

What Outline can offer you

Free Training, the opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge and experience or develop existing skills. To be able to give something back to the LGBT community, meet new people, make friends and socialise.

We operate a rolling training programme which starts with a full day induction, usually on a Saturday. Training then follows on weekly in the evenings for approximately 10 weeks. Training subjects include:

• Sexuality
• Coming out
• The law
• Sexual health
• Relationships
• Active Listening/basic counselling Skills
• Questioning techniques

We also run a quarterly refresher training programme to keep volunteer’s skills and knowledge up to date.