Volunteer Opportunities as a Counsellor or as a Receptionist

INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEERING AS A COUNSELLOR

WHAT IS BEDFORD OPEN DOOR?
Bedford Open Door is a Bedford-based Counselling Agency. It offers free, confidential counselling to young people aged 13 to 25, in a welcoming and informal atmosphere. The counselling is offered by a team of qualified and experienced volunteer counsellors.

If we feel that there is a more appropriate service for the client we will, whenever possible, refer them to it.

HOW MANY COUNSELLING HOURS ARE REQUIRED?
If you become one of our volunteer counsellors you would be expected to see two clients face to face during one two hour shift each week. Please see opening times for details of shifts offered.

WHAT KIND OF CLIENTS WOULD I WORK WITH?
You would work with young people in the age range 13-25, Our clients come from diverse cultural backgrounds. More young women than men use the service. The issues that clients bring are many and varied and may include relationship difficulties with partners or family, loneliness, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sexual abuse or attack, confusion over sexual orientation, bereavement, bullying and suicidal feelings.

We work with clients for as long as both counsellor and client feel it helpful to them.

HOW MUCH TIME WOULD I NEED TO OFFER?
We would require you to cover a two hour shift plus time before and after to deal with paperwork. In addition you will need to allocate time for writing case notes and attending supervision. Supervision is every two weeks for a minimum of one and a half hours. We also ask for counsellors to cover a Saturday drop in session every 8-10 weeks.

We are looking for people who show:Evidence of warmth, acceptance and genuinenessSome knowledge and understanding of young peopleAbility to relate to others in a group and one to one situationAn understanding and acceptance of the demands made by Open Door of its volunteersEvidence that your primary motivation is to work for the Agency and not to use the role for personal development or as a course placementA commitment to personal and professional developmentThe capacity to develop a helping relationshipAn understanding of and a desire to work within a Person Centred Model

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
We welcome applications from people who are experienced counsellors qualified to at least Diploma level 4/5 and who have at least 100 face to face hours of counselling experience. All counsellors will need to have an enhanced CRB check.

AM I TOO OLD OR YOUNG?
There is no upper age limit, but due to the qualifications required, there is a lower age limit of 28 years.

WHAT ABOUT A TIME COMMITMENT?
We ask all volunteers for a minimum commitment to Bedford Open Door of two years.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
If you are interested in knowing more please contact Gerry in the office on 01234 360388. Alternatively, you can email us on counselling@bedfordopendoor.org.uk

INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEERING AS A RECEPTIONIST

WHAT IS BEDFORD OPEN DOOR?
Bedford Open Door is a Bedford-based Counselling Agency. It offers free, confidential counselling to young people in a welcoming and informal atmosphere. The counselling is offered by a team of trained volunteer counsellors.

If we feel that there is a more appropriate service for the client we will, whenever possible, refer them to it.

WHAT CAN I DO?
If you become one of our volunteer receptionists you would be expected to staff the desk for one two-and-a-half or three hour shift each week or fortnight. Please see opening times for details of shifts available during the week.

WHO ARE THE CLIENTS?
We work with young people in the age range 13-25, Our clients come from diverse cultural backgrounds. More young women than men use the service.
The issues that clients bring are many and varied and may include relationship difficulties with partners or family, loneliness, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sexual abuse or attack, confusion over sexual orientation, bereavement, bullying and suicidal feelings.

We work with clients for as long as both counsellor and client feel it helpful to them.

WHAT SORT OF PERSON ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?We are looking for people who show:Evidence of warmth, acceptance and genuinenessSome knowledge and understanding of young peopleAbility to relate to others in a group and one to one situationAn understanding and acceptance of the demands made by Bedford Open Door of its volunteersA commitment to personal and professional development

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
None. We offer receptionists the training needed to do the work. All receptionists will require and enhanced CRB check.

AM I TOO OLD OR YOUNG?
There is no upper age limit, but due to the age range of our clients, there is a lower age limit of 25 years.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
If you are interested in knowing more please contact Gerry in the office on 01234 360388. Alternatively, you can email us on counselling@bedfordopendoor.org.uk