Volunteer Befriender

Reach Out for Mental Health was set up to prevent the number of attempted and completed suicides in Essex. We support people across the county who are feeling overwhelmed and are struggling to get through life. Our volunteers do this over the phone by creating a safe, non-clinical and respectful environment where the individual can talk about their situation or events which have led to their suicidal feelings. Volunteers offer a warm, friendly and understanding space to ensure individuals feel valued and listened to, which can go a long way to helping someone re-discover their self-worth.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week for at least 6 months. A full day's training is compulsory (held on Zoom on Saturday 8th February 10am-4pm) and you must attend group clinical supervision once a month. All volunteers are DBS checked, paid for by the Charity. 

We also hold a peer led coffee group in Colchester and Heybridge. If you are interesting in hosting a coffee group in your area please get in touch. 

Information sessions about the volunteer roles and the charity will be held on Zoom on 27th January 6-7pm and 30th January 12am-1pm. Please contact us and ask for a link for your chosen session.