After going into my second year at university I realised that graduation really isnt that far off relatively speaking. And with 40% of people now going to uni in uk I need to start thinking about doing things that will increase my chances of employment and entry into post grad education (when I get the funds together).
So I decided to apply for volunteer work with childline as a phone counsellor, I have a meeting next week so they can discuss whats involved ect. Has anyone else done this kind of thing before?

that isn't really the right reason to be doing it, but nevermind, im sure it isnt the only reason why you want to, and anyway, if the net result is someone being helped, its all to the good.

i volunteer as an advocate for people with mental health problems, which isn't exactly the same thing, but is in the same ballpark. it is pretty rewarding as long as you are doing it because you want to, and you realise where the boundaries are and stick to them. you also have to realise some of the stuff you hear might upset you or make you angry, you have to go into it with your eyes open. where i am is pretty good, but we have had problems with people becoming too patronising with the clients and stuff, like they were doing them a favour.

i've also had some mixed reactions about doing it, its not something that i put on my c.v. or resume but i do occasionally have to mention it, such as when i needed a reference for it from a lecturer, and when employers ask what i have been doing with my time. generally the reaction is good, but i had an interview where the woman interviewing me nearly jumped over herself trying to make sure i was 'just' a volunteer and didnt have any #issues# myself, it was pretty disgusting.

no, this isnt the only reason, I acctually want to do this. Plus after graduation I am going to go into training to work in a caring profession, so obv I have a passion for this kind of work.

good to hear

so I went to the meeting to find out more about the position yesturday and it turns out that the application process is going to take 3 months due to the advanced CRB check I have to take and also to give sufficient time for them to hear back from my character references. I am currently trying to write a supporting statement for my application, er help?

are you applying for samaritans? because it's a long hard process.

a friend of mine does it and it's a massive commitment and a REALLY tough job.

They're basically going to put you through hell before you're allowed to get on the phone and you're going to hear things that are going to kill you inside.

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Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

I'm applying for childline.

I'm sure the process it probably similar. good on you for wanting to do it

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Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

I've been worrying about that too...pretty much everyone has a degree. Don't talk about graduation! I really admire you wanting to work for Childline, that's a pretty hardcore way of bringing good to the world. I couldn't do it. I work at Oxfam Books, which is an easier way to feel less bad about my part in our shitty world, even if what I do is pretty indirect..
what does 'supporting statement' mean? Just reasons why you want to do it? I guess refer to any previous experience you might have done with a voluntary organisation, something to show you're dedicated, compassionate and probably able to think quickly. I can't really help, I'm terrible at that sort of thing. Good luck.

Well in the end I couldn't apply straight away because I had major money issues I had to sort out. I sorted stuff out and applied a few months back and have an interview on Tuesday! I'm not sure what kind of things I will be asked though. I hope I get it however as I really want the job.

This will be my 5th year in college (I haven't been kicked out YET) and doing what looks like the same course involved with the caring profession. I have been asked to do both Samaritasns AND childline but have done neither yet but still thinking about it seriously this year. About 20,000 calls for child line were missed last year in Ireland due to "busy staff" so hope that they need you more than you need them.

I really think you'll get it, especially with what you want to do in college, make a point about that and aptitudes. And how it will also help with practical problems in real life as regards the carign profession aswell as the "theory bit" you learn at school for a "more wholly rounded learning experience."

I've considered getting into this sort of work part-time, but I thought you had to be in some way qualified for it. What exactly does the application process entail, rocker stalker? Surely there is some sort of initiation you have to undergo to prove you have the right qualities for the job?

All I have had to do thus far is to fill in an application form and a criminal records bureau check. Maybe there will be some kind of test in the interview, who knows.

I've had to have a few criminal clearance checks.
They take 6 weeks to process here, I don't know about Britain though!
That's basically the only thing you will outrightly get rejected on, if it isn't clean.

disclosure checks in britain take about six weeks too.

a friend works for childline, and she had an interview, and a trial period, along with a police check, references, etc. i volunteer with the cab (i know it's less intense), and all that entailed in the way of selection procedure was an application form and an informal chat. if you're want to work there without getting paid, you've more than likely got the right qualities for the job.

and a big thumbs up to people that are volunteering at childline and the samaritans, i really could not do it.

hullo,I am a south african ,mabey this will help,I worked in johannsbrg on the Childline line for 6 years,am now at teddy bear clinic,where we prepare children who are going to testify in court. The work at childline gave me good grounding,but I prefer the teddy bra clinic,it is very rewarding irrespective of sentencing.All work done at both places are purely voluntarily and our biggest sponser is teh Neslon Mandela childrens fund. you are welcome to ask me more questions ,just forgive my dylexia

When I was at Uni I volunteered for Nightline which was the helpline for all the students in the city. We had a weekend of intense training and then had to do 8pm to 8am shift once a week. It was a good experience and would have been good preparation if I had decided to go into that kind of career. A few of the people who i did it with went on to work for the Samaritans etc after. I think most unis have something like this and it's quite easy to get involved.