VOLUNTEERING FAQS
HOW CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Click here to apply!
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?
To become a Text About It Volunteer, you must:
1. Be over 18
2. Consent to presenting in person at our office in Dublin to complete Garda vetting
3. Consent to reference checks
4. Be able to adhere to Text About It policies and provide non-judgemental support to all texters, including those whose beliefs, experiences or choices may differ from your own. (e.g., a texter is coming out as LGBTQIA+, is considering an abortion, etc.)
5. Be comfortable to address topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health
6. Commit to the 30-hour training over a 6 week period
7. Commit to 200 total hours of volunteering
8. Have a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
HOW DO VOLUNTEERS SEND AND RECEIVE MESSAGES FROM TEXTERS?
Our volunteers interact with texters through our secure online platform, from a personal laptop or desktop computer, during their scheduled shifts. Neither volunteers nor texters can see the other's phone number.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT OF VOLUNTEERS?
We ask our volunteers to commit to volunteering 200 total hours. Four hours per week for a year or two hours per week for two years is the usual initial commitment we expect.
HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS TRAINED?
Our volunteers graduate from a six-week, 30-hour program that includes: video modules that cover
(a) specific skills such as good contact techniques
(b) issues such as self-harm, suicide, depression, bullying, Traveller community issues and LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as quizzes, role plays, and observations shifts.
WHEN DOES THE NEXT ROUND OF VOLUNTEER TRAINING START?
We accept applications on a rolling basis. New cohorts typically start at the beginning of each month, so apply whenever you're ready. We’re excited to meet you!
CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR COLLEGE MODULE CREDIT?
We welcome students to apply to volunteer with us. All volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of 200 hours, including those seeking to meet shorter external requirements. Upon completion of 200 hours, TAI will provide you with a personalised referenced.
Volunteering with Text About It is not considered a formal student placement. Our volunteer programme does not offer placements for MSW or similar programmes and cannot provide the supervision, assessment or academic requirements associated with these. This includes personal performance evaluations, letters of recommendation, placement instruction or participation in in-person or remote campus visits.
ARE VOLUNTEERS SUPERVISED?
Yes, our experienced Clinical Support Team staff members oversee and assist our volunteers on the platform.