Volunteer Counsellor

As a Volunteer School Counsellor with The Mental Shift CIC, you will play an important role in supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people within schools. You will help create a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where students feel listened to, valued, and empowered to overcome challenges.

Responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one emotional support sessions for students.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Listening actively and offering a safe space for students to discuss concerns.
• Supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience, and coping strategies.
• Helping students manage challenges such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, friendships, family difficulties, and school-related pressures.
• Encouraging positive mental health and wellbeing practices.
• Signposting students to additional support services when appropriate.
• Maintaining clear and accurate session records in line with organisational procedures.
• Working closely with school staff, safeguarding leads, and The Mental Shift CIC team.
• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times.
• Participating in training, supervision, and volunteer development opportunities.
• Supporting wellbeing events, workshops, and awareness activities where required.
• Promoting a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people.
• Acting as a positive role model and advocate for mental health awareness.

Sessions are to take place within school times, between 9am and 3pm.

Sessions take place in a school setting TBC upon satisfactory checks.

Sessions can also be delivered across the community (for those not in education).

All sessions are delivered to males aged 12 to 18, struggling with their mental health or wellbeing.

We Welcome Applications From

• Qualified counsellors seeking volunteer experience.
• Counselling students requiring placement hours (subject to supervision arrangements).
• Youth workers, teachers, mentors, mental health practitioners, and support workers.
• Individuals with relevant lived experience and a genuine commitment to supporting young people's wellbeing.

What You'll Gain

• Valuable experience supporting young people's mental health and wellbeing.
• Ongoing training, guidance, and supervision.
• Opportunities to develop counselling, communication, and safeguarding skills.
• Experience working within schools and community settings.
•  The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
• A chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to improving youth mental health and preventing crisis through early intervention

Skills

• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental approach.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with young people.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Reliable, dependable, and committed to supporting young people.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow organisational policies and procedures.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Passion for improving young people's mental health and wellbeing.
• Aged 18 or over.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check.
• Willingness to complete safeguarding and volunteer induction training.
• Commitment to adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection requirements.
• Ability to volunteer regularly and consistently.
• Previous experience supporting children or young people.
• Experience in counselling, mentoring, youth work, education, coaching, social care, or community support.
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health or wellbeing challenges.
• Understanding of issues affecting young people, including anxiety, stress, self-esteem, bullying, family difficulties, and school-related pressures.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people, or families.
  
• Level 2, 3, or 4 Counselling Skills/Counselling Studies qualification.
• Mental Health First Aid training.
• Safeguarding Children training.
• Youth Work, Psychology, Health and Social Care, Social Work, Counselling, Education, or a related qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (where applicable).