Talkline Volunteer

Location: Virtual / Remote

Usual commitment: One or two 3-hour shifts per month  

About Abortion Talk’s Talkline

Abortion Talk is a small charity with a mission to destigmatise abortion, one conversation at a time. 

Our pro-choice, pro-voice Talkline launched in 2021 and is open four evenings a week between 7pm and 10pm. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers a safe, confidential space for people to share their experiences, ask questions, or find information about abortion care and related support services.

The Talkline is for anyone affected by abortion - those who’ve had one, are considering one, have supported someone else or work in abortion care.

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll be a part of a growing network of people working to end abortion stigma through compassion and conversation. You’ll build your confidence in active listening and learn how to support people with respect and empathy. You’ll also gain insight into how abortion care works in the UK, how to access services and how to navigate challenging or emotional conversations with sensitivity. 

Most importantly you’ll be helping to make sure no one feels alone when talking about their abortion. 

In spring of 2025 we introduced our webchat alongside our telephone line, for people who would like support but are unable or don’t want to communicate by phone. Volunteers will have the option to provide support via the phone, webchat or both. 

What being a Talkline Volunteer involves

• Offering support and information in a non-judgemental, non-directive and destigmatising way to people who have abortion experiences, over the phone or via webchat.

• Developing an awareness of abortion care pathways that a caller may have experienced or may be seeking. This includes developing knowledge of how abortion services are delivered and accessed.

• Using our Talkline manual and website to signpost to services that can support people with their individual needs. 

• Recording anonymised, general information about calls on our call log database.

• Attending supervision meetings and Talkline Volunteer training/meetings (online virtual meetings) when needed. 

• Keeping up to date with Abortion Talk news and our work. We have a volunteer WhatsApp group where we share news and updates and support each other.

We’re looking for people who:

• Share our commitment to pro-choice, inclusive approaches to abortion

• Can listen with compassion, and without judgement

• Confident using an internet connected computer, including email, google drive, telephone call and/or webchat apps and scheduling apps such as Doodle. 

• Willingness to follow our training, guidance, manuals, and policies.

• The ability to keep personal and confidential data safe.

• Can commit to one or two shifts a month.

• Can offer a quiet, confidential space to take calls or chats.

Previous experience on a helpline or in abortion-related work is welcome but not essential as we’ll give you all the training you need. 

We particularly encourage applications from volunteers across the UK and from men, as a small but growing number of callers are men seeking support.

Training & Time Commitment 

We’re passionate about training our volunteers in essential skills that enable them to handle challenging calls with ease. Due to the nature of this opportunity, we’re looking for people who can commit to all 3 days of the mandatory Talkline training. 

Training will be three half-day sessions (9.30am – 2pm) on consecutive Saturdays and will take place over Zoom. You will need to be available on each of the following dates:

• 10th January 2026

• 17th January 2026

• 24th January 2026

If you don’t already have Safeguarding training - don’t worry, we will provide this too. 

Once trained you will have access to your Welcome Pack, Talkline Manual and our diverse community of volunteers 

We also invite all volunteers to attend at least one “Talkshop” each year as part of their commitment, which is a friendly online space to debrief, share experiences, and learn together.

Volunteering with Us:

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. You are the voice, the listener, and the bridge between stigma and understanding. We’ll endeavor to make sure your experience with us is rewarding, supported, and flexible to your life and needs. We’re happy to offer volunteering experience from the comfort of your own home, with transferable skills and development opportunities along the way for those interested. 

The Benefits of Volunteering With Us

• Linkedin endorsements

• Inclusive and affirming space

• Transferable skills and training

• Reference letters after a minimum period

• Volunteer of the month award

• Certificates of completion 

• Working from the comfort of your home

• Networking opportunities

• Volunteering to employment pathways 

• Shared resource hub

• Additional opportunities in the abortion care space

• Ongoing learning opportunities

• Community building with likeminded volunteers

• Virtual social events

• Regular debrief sessions

Volunteer Experience:

“ I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed the training process. Going into it I was really nervous and quite unsure about what it would involve. Three four-hour sessions seemed quite a daunting prospect! But from the very first session, you made me feel so at ease and the group felt like such a friendly, kind, supportive environment - it really felt like spending Saturday mornings with a new group of friends! The training was so informative and I feel like I have learned so much. Of course, the main benefit will be being able to bring all these new skills into my work with Abortion Talk; but I also feel like the work we have done together has made me a better colleague, sister and friend. It was really quite a transformative experience for me.” 

How to Apply

Check out the application pack attached to this job posting for more information.

We won’t ask for references until you have successfully completed the training. Not every candidate will make it through each stage of recruitment into our program. 

Deadline: 9am 5th December 2025