SAP;UK Volunteer Chat Role (Suicide & Prevention UK)

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in 2016. We support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is simple: guide people from crisis toward hope, help them regain their strength and sense of safety, and support them in moving forward with their lives.

We offer a range of free, accessible support services:

• Confidential online chat support for real time emotional support, active listening, and signposting Safe Spaces (online and in-person) where people can talk, decompress, and feel understood SAPUK Life Coaches who provide structured guidance, confidence-building, and personal development support A community Food Pantry offering essential items to people and families facing financial hardship “I Don’t Know Anyone Either” social events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people build connections Semicolon events celebrating resilience, hope, and community through creative and awareness-focused activities

SAPUK is powered solely by volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience, and a shared belief that no one should face their darkest moments alone. We work together to create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Join our dedicated team as a SAP;UK Volunteer Chat Role focused on Suicide & Prevention UK, where your compassion and communication skills will make a meaningful difference. In this role, you will provide vital support through online chat services, offering a safe space for individuals experiencing distress or contemplating suicide. Your empathetic approach and active listening will help guide vulnerable individuals towards hope and help, contributing to a safer community. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to develop mentoring, teaching, and crisis intervention skills while making a positive impact on people's lives.

Job description

SAPUK is looking for volunteers to assist with our support services, which run daily from 6 am to 11 pm. Volunteers will engage through our instant messaging support line, which operates via Meta and offers anonymous communication via our website. The service is managed through a free app, available for download on all smart devices

SAPUK offers regular training to help volunteers enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience. Volunteers will become part of a supportive, collaborative team that prioritises mental health and the well-being of both those we serve and our volunteers.

Our chat volunteers are vital to SAPUK, offering support and someone to talk to and signpost to other services if necessary. Talking to people when they are at their lowest and offering a listening ear, so no one is ever alone.

We have a weekly rota of 3-hour block shifts, but we can be flexible and offer 2-hour blocks if required. This is only at the 9 pm to 11 pm slot. 6 hours a week are required, but we can be flexible with your needs, and overtime is always available.

Person specifications essential criteria

• Must be over 18 years old Minimum commitment is 6 hours ( if you are unable to commit to the 6 hours, and still wish to Volunteer with SAP;UK please let our recruitment team know.) Must have WhatsApp and Facebook (or willing to get them) Willingness to download additional apps and join multiple groups to communicate with SAPUK teams Compassion Empathy Listening skills Willingness for ongoing training and courses Calm under pressure Able to handle sensitive information Confidentiality conscious UK resident Able to work remotely, this is a remote position Do all the required training courses Complete the shadowing hours, which are 18 hours usually spread over 3 weeks, but if you require more, we can accommodate Strong proficiency in English Strong communication skills Passion for mental Health awareness

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals via online chat platforms, providing empathetic support during moments of crisis or emotional distress
• Offer guidance, reassurance, and appropriate resources to those contemplating suicide or experiencing mental health challenges
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding policies at all times during interactions
• Document chat conversations accurately for record-keeping and quality assurance purposes
• Collaborate with team members to share best practices and improve support strategies
• Participate in ongoing training sessions focused on mentoring, mental health awareness, and crisis intervention techniques
• Promote awareness of available mental health resources and encourage help-seeking behaviours

If you are passionate about mental health and helping others, and are interested in this voluntary position, please contact volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk.

Pay: £0.01 per hour

Expected hours: 3.0 – 6.0 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Work Location: Remote