Our QLife volunteers provide telephone and web support, information and one-off support
QLife Telephone Counsellor and Webchat Volunteers
Our QLife Telephone Counsellor volunteers provide one-off, basic telephone counselling or webchat, support and information to LGBTIQA+ callers, their friends, family and the wider community through the QLife program.
Volunteers must be over 18.
As the program uses a peer support model, we require counsellors to identify as LGBTIQA+.
Some telephone counselling volunteers choose to train to provide webchat.
The best thing about being a phone volunteer is being able to connect with the wonderfully varied and appreciative LGBTIQA+ family and therefore to be a part of that amazingly resilient and diverse community
Dave
See our other volunteer opportunities or make a donation to help us continue our work.
Volunteer Requirements
Our Volunteer Requirements
Volunteer Requirements
Our volunteers mostly help out at our main premises in Chippendale, and sometimes at other locations including our Out West group in Parramatta.
- We ask volunteers to commit at least 4 hours once a month for a minimum of 12 months. Some programs have volunteering opportunities more frequent than this, and there is some flexibility in rostering shifts. If a volunteer has not participated in any shifts or other activities for over 12 months, they may need to re-train or re-apply depending on circumstances.
- You don't need any particular qualifications or experience to apply. Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as people of diverse sexualities, genders and/or intersex status to apply.
- Identifying as LGBTIQA+ is a prerequisite for some volunteer roles including QLife Telephone Counsellor and Group Facilitator, but for all other
roles it is not a requirement. - Programs working face to face with young people have a minimum age requirement of 26 years old,
otherwise the minimum age is 18 years. - Those who are invited to join our Volunteer Training Program are also required to have or obtain a current NSW Working With Children Check clearance and sign a Volunteer Agreement with Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW.
Our Recruitment Process
Our Recruitment Process
At Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW we recruit all ongoing volunteer roles by holding interactive Volunteering Information Sessions at our Chippendale offices. We hold these one or two times each year, depending on our needs.
The Information Session is an integral part of our selection process but it is obligation free - so you aren't committed to volunteer or attend training, nor is your attendance a guarantee of an invitation to join our volunteer program.
The session provides an overview of our organisation and services, the different types of volunteer roles and opportunities, volunteer training program, and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about volunteering here. It is also a chance for us to meet all prospective volunteers in person and see you interact in a social setting.
Our Selection Process
Our Selection Process
Following the Information
Those who are invited to join our Volunteer Training Program are also required to have or obtain a current NSW Working With Children Check clearance and sign a Volunteer Agreement with Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW.
Training and Assessment of Volunteers
Training and Assessment of Volunteers
New volunteers will complete face-to-face training and a series of live shifts where they shadow experienced volunteers. This is followed by an assessment process, to check in on understanding and fit within the organisation and specific volunteer role. After assessment, new volunteers are either invited through to regular shifts or offered additional support and information if not yet ready for ongoing volunteering.
Regardless of role, all new volunteers attend Intake Training, a 3-hour session which ensures they are well informed of the values and practices of Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW so that we can all work together for the benefit of our clients.
Some volunteer roles also require additional training sessions, such as telephone counselling (three-day course spread out over time) and group facilitation (one- or two- day course depending on group).
Ongoing training is also offered to all volunteers through regular development and debrief sessions to maintain your skills, broaden your knowledge and gain peer support from other volunteers. All volunteers are also reviewed regularly as part of the support and supervision structures provided by staff.
Other ways to make a difference
Make a Donation
By donating, you can be confident that your money will be used to directly improve the lives of vulnerable or marginalised LGBTIQA+ people.
Easy Fundraising Ideas
Whether fundraising by yourself or with friends, at school or at work, you can make a difference. It’s fun and effective.
Leave a Gift in Your Will
Help us fulfill our vision and create opportunities for future generations by leaving a bequest in your will.
