Volunteer

Description

Text About It (TAI) is a free, anonymous, text-based mental health support service for young people in Ireland. We provide a safe, confidential space where individuals can reach out during moments of distress, loneliness, or crisis and be met with empathy, respect, and non-judgemental support.

Our service is volunteer-led and guided by a strong safeguarding and clinical governance framework. Volunteers are trained to support texters using active listening and evidence-informed communication approaches, with ongoing support from trained staff.

TAI aims to:

• Increase access to mental health support for young people
• Reduce stigma around help-seeking
• Provide early intervention through accessible, low-barrier support
• Create meaningful volunteering opportunities in the mental health space

Is training provided?:Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Text Support Volunteer 

Overview:
Volunteers provide real-time, text-based emotional support to individuals using the TAI platform.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with texters in a supportive, non-judgemental way
• Use active listening and conversation techniques
• Support texters to explore their thoughts and feelings
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding procedures

Requirements:

• Completion of TAI training programme; Garda vetting
• Commitment to a minimum number of volunteering hours (e.g. 2–4 hours per week)
• Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically in writing

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Practical experience in mental health support and communication
• Skills development in active listening, empathy, and crisis response
• Insight into digital mental health services
• A structured volunteering experience to support future careers (e.g. psychology, social work, counselling, youth work)
• A formal reference upon completion of agreed hours

Volunteer from home at a time that suits you.

Gain skills in support mental health

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Any time, day or night, 2-4 hours per week

Minimum time commitment per week:
Flexible/Varies

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
ATU - DONEGAL, ATU - GALWAY, ATU - MAYO, ATU - SLIGO, ATU - ST ANGELAS, DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY, TU DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY, UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK