Job Title: Volunteer Counsellors (2 Positions)
Location: Blackpool, UK
Role Type: Volunteer (Placement Role)
Required Qualification: Minimum Level 4 in Counselling or equivalent

Job Description:
We are seeking two passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Volunteer Counsellors. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to gain placement experience (100 hours counselling practice) in a supportive and professional environment towards a qualification. 

The successful candidates will provide counselling services to clients while working under supervision and in line with ethical and professional standards. Trainee’s will be expected to see clients with a variety of presenting issues, adhere to the BACP ethical framework and document sessions on our system correctly including managing risk and adequate reporting/following of safeguarding procedures.

We are looking specifically for Mondays. The amount of clients able to be seen per week is set by the college or university. (usually a maximum of 4) however the trainee themselves will be able to decide how many clients they can see up to the maximum allowance.  

Please refer to the role specifications when submitting your application to ensure all relevant information is included.

What does a group support volunteer do? 

There’s always something going on at Lancashire Women – whether that’s Creative Journalling, Vision Diary, Steps to Confidence, Art Therapy or our Mind Fit programme. As a group support volunteer, you would play a key role in helping the group facilitators. 

Role description 

• Meeting and greeting group participants and taking the register, 
• Managing resources for the group facilitator, 
• One-to-one support when needed, 
• Helping to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. 

What you will get: 

• Improved Confidence, 
• Improved Communication Skills, 
• Self-reflection – builds on your own Personal Development, 
• Resilience, 
• Builds your leadership skills, 
• Improved employability, 
• Gain from supporting and shadowing experienced therapeutic tutors. 

 Expectation 

• Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times in relation to electronic files, paperwork and verbal discussions. 
• To work within the policies and procedures of Lancashire Women and uphold this ethos at all times 
• Commit to a regular time and day (at least 3 hours) for a period of 6 months or longer 
• A willingness to have a DBS check. 

Knowledge & Skills 

• A professional and friendly manner 
• Ability to work on own initiative 
• A willingness to get involved 
• A sensitive attitude towards other people 
• Good communicator 
• Positive outlook​ 

This role description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post-holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to the duties which may have to be varied (after discussion with the post holder) subject to the needs of the service, and in keeping with the general profile of the post. 

Do you enjoy meeting new people and offering a friendly welcome? We’re looking for warm, approachable volunteers to join our team at the Lancashire Women Preston Centre — a safe, supportive space where women access vital services such as counselling, peer groups, money advice, and more.

As a front desk volunteer, you’ll be the first friendly face our clients see. Your warm welcome can make a huge difference to a woman walking through our doors for the first time.

Your Role:

• Greet women and families with a friendly, non-judgmental approach
• Create a calm, welcoming environment
• Offer refreshments or reassurance to those feeling anxious
• Check in clients using our paper or digital system
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Notify staff when clients arrive
• Provide basic information or directions when needed
• General ‘tidying up duties’ whenever a hand is needed.

What You’ll Gain:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in admin and reception duties
• Confidence in maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Insight into the social and community support sector
• Teamwork experience and in-house training

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you

Exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. This role is open to female candidates only.