Specialist counsellors volunteer roles

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity for a trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Survivor Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service team to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

· Availability for in-person clinical work on Tuesdays

· Capacity to hold a caseload of up to 3 clients

· Attendance at online clinical supervision on Mondays, either 9.00-11.00am or 11.30am-1.30pm

· Attendance at in-person team meetings on the third Monday of each month (helpful but not mandatory)

· Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

· Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

· Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

· Minimum commitment of 1 year

Through our commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity we offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply: 
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager

Bring your clinical expertise to Weldmar Hospicecare and contribute to a thriving board and community across Dorset.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 9th February 2026

Location: Dorcester

About Weldmar Hospicecare

Weldmar Hospicecare is an independent local charity that cares for people living with a life limiting illness, such as cancer, heart disease, or motor neurone disease. We also support the loved ones of our patients. We have been providing our care for the people of Dorset since 1994.

Our individually tailored care – where we focus on the person, not just their symptoms and illness – takes place in patients’ own homes, in community hospitals and care homes, and at our Inpatient Unit in Dorchester.

Weldmar supports more than two thousand people across the north, south, and west of Dorset each year. All our care is provided free of charge. We help people live as good a life as possible when their illness cannot be cured.

Our team of staff includes specialist nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, counsellors, chefs, maintenance engineers, complementary therapists, retail professionals, and experts in fundraising, marketing, finance, people services, and more. A number of dedicated volunteers in many aspects of our work support us.

As an independent charity, we rely on donations, fundraising events and our charity shops to fund our work.

About the role

Weldmare Hospicecare services are rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, and we are seeking a clinically experienced Trustee to join our Board.

This is an exciting time to join the hospice; we are in a strong financial position, with many exciting priorities underway, including a big project in the Inpatient Unit and the creation of new outpatient services. We are currently refurbishing and updating our retail outlets and have good partnerships in our bordering counties of Somerset, Hampshire, Devon and Wiltshire.

To support our plans, the Board is now looking to appoint a new clinical Trustee to replace those whose terms have come (or are coming) to an end.

First-time Trustees and those seeking personal development would be welcome to apply.

Who we are looking for

We seek individuals with a fundamental alignment with our charitable purpose and values. With well-honed interpersonal and communication skills, you will bring sound judgement, the ability to think strategically and offer constructive challenge and debate to the Board and senior team.

We are also looking for those with senior experience in the health care sector, with experience working at a cross-agency level. We are open to a broad range of senior leadership experience, particularly nursing and allied health professionals. Whilst prior experience of end of life/palliative care would be advantageous, it isn’t essential.

You will act as a strong sounding board to the Chair, fellow Trustees and the executive team, and be able to provide strong strategic advice and overview.

We particularly welcome applicants from those who are under-represented on our Trustee Board, such as women, disabled people and individuals from black and minority ethnic communities.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 9th February 2026.

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.

The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice. 

Trustee Role: Clinical Lead for the Board.

Location: Location: Warwick

Role Responsibilities

Safeline are recruiting a new trustee for the Safeline board who will have lead responsibility for supporting and assuring the clinical practices of the charity.  

Trustees work with the Executive team to provide effective governance to the Charity.

Who we are

Established in 1994, Safeline is a leading specialist charity that works to prevent sexual abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.

Our Vision is that everyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse should feel supported and empowered.

We empower survivors to make choices about the lives they want.

What we do

We provide:

· Prevention/Early Intervention services to help prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation and effective early support to children and young people who are at risk.

· Counselling, Psychotherapy and Art Therapy to survivors of sexual abuse from age 4+, face-to-face, telephone and online

· Independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced historical or recent sexual abuse and wishes to report to the police.

· National Male Survivors Helpline and online support service.

· Specialist education and training to prevent and address sexual abuse.

The Board

Our Board of Trustees are all volunteers drawn from a cross-section of different backgrounds. They are chosen for their skill sets to support Safeline and provide diversity of experience.

The Trustees are responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer and ensuring sound management of the professional, ethical, legal, and financial affairs of the Charity. Working in partnership with the executive team and staff, they:

• Set the direction.

• Agree the vision.

• Determine the strategies and policies to fulfil the vision.

• Monitor progress.

• Ensure the outcomes are consistent with the overall strategy.

§  The Board includes a former service user who ensures the people we support are represented in a clear and visible way. This Trustee involves the client’s voice in our work at a strategic level.

§  Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting, they serve a four-year term and are eligible for re-election.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance & Oversight
  • Fulfil all legal duties of a Trustee under the Charities Act and the organisation’s governing document.
  • Ensure the counselling service operates in line with safeguarding, ethical, and clinical governance standards.
  • Provide strategic oversight of service delivery, ensuring quality and accessibility for beneficiaries.
• Support & Challenge
  • Act as a critical friend to the Head of Counselling/Clinical Lead, offering guidance and expertise.
  • Monitor and support the development of counselling provision, including policies, training, and professional standards.
  • Ensure that client feedback and outcomes inform service development.
• Risk & Compliance
  • Help the Board assess and manage risks associated with counselling practice, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., data protection, safeguarding, mental health regulations) and alignment with BACP professional framework.
• Advocacy & Ambassadorship
  • Champion the importance of counselling within the wider organisation and to external stakeholders.
  • Support fundraising and partnership opportunities that sustain and grow the counselling service
  •  

Essential Criteria for the Clinical Lead:

· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

· Understanding of counselling practice and its role in supporting wellbeing (e.g., qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, or equivalent experience).

· Experience of working in a counselling environment and risk management.

· Knowledge of professional standards and frameworks (e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC) and experience of ethical decision making.

· Practice in working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse.

· Ability to think strategically and contribute to Board-level discussion.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively.

· Understanding of governance and willingness to undertake Trustee responsibilities.

Desirable:

· Experience in clinical governance, safeguarding, or service management.

· Prior Trustee or Board-level experience.

· Connections within the counselling, healthcare, or voluntary sector to support partnership development.

Time Commitment

Trustees are required to attend approximately 4 board meetings a year plus additional ad hoc meetings for example at team and fundraising events.

What You Will Gain

• You can make a meaningful impact: Ensuring the charity is run effectively and makes a real difference to its beneficiaries can provide a strong sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.
• You will be contributing to a cause that has a substantial impact on the public health and economic wealth of the country.
• The chance to work alongside passionate Trustees, staff, and volunteers committed to making a difference. Broaden your perspective: Engaging with diverse perspectives and social issues can deepen your understanding of the world and enhance empathy and compassion. 
• Gaining board-level experience: Serving as a trustee provides hands-on experience in governance, strategy, and decision-making at the highest level of an organisation, which can be invaluable for career progression.
• Developing new skills: Trustees often develop skills in areas such as financial management, risk management, strategic planning, negotiation, and leadership.
• Using existing skills in a new context to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Overall, while the role is voluntary and comes with legal responsibilities, the rewards of trusteeship in terms of personal growth, skill development, and societal impact are significant.