Become a Peer Support Volunteer

Training

Following a supportive eight week training program, volunteers are required to undertake a 3.5 hour shift once per week for a minimum of 12 months. The National Helpline currently operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 7.30pm. PSVs are supported during their shifts by staff who provide ongoing supervisionand de-briefing. Regular professional development sessions are offered to Helpline staff and PSVs to allow for the development of further skills and knowledge.

Who can volunteer on the National Helpline?

The National Helpline is delivered from our office in North Fitzroy, Victoria, which means we can only accept applications from those able to travel to North Fitzroy for training and shifts.

All PSVs have a ‘lived experience’ of perinatal anxiety or depression, or an experience of significant challenge in the perinatal period. This can be a personal experience or one through which they supported a partner. Our PSVs draw on this experience – and on our extensive training and support – when they speak with Helpline callers, thus enabling the provision of ‘peer support'.

* Please note that we are currently unable to offer student placements (with the exception of short-term Maternal and Child Health student placements arranged via course coordinators). Some of our PSVs are students completing counselling, psychology, social work or other qualifications. However, all volunteers are required to meet the same selection criteria which includes ‘lived experience’.

Why volunteer on the National Helpline?

• It is rewarding and empowering: Supporting others on the National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline can be rewarding and empowering for volunteers. Many PSVs feel that it provides an opportunity for them to turn a very difficult life experience into something that makes a positive difference to other families.

• You will develop new skills and knowledge: As a PSV, you will develop new skills and knowledge through training, regular shifts and ongoing professional development. Our PSVs receive comprehensive training to enable them to perform their role. This includes essential knowledge around perinatal mental health and biopsychosocial assessment. Once PSVs are active in their role, their skills are further enhanced by ongoing supervision and support, and by other professional development opportunities. Many (but not all) of our volunteers are studying counselling/psychology/social work and find this work an invaluable opportunity to put their academic knowledge into practice.

“I experience immense satisfaction in being able to provide support to mothers, fathers, and others affected by challenges in the perinatal time. It feels a privilege to share their story, to offer them empathic listening in the midst of their struggles so they feel less isolated, and where appropriate, to offer additional referrals.” - Sally, Peer Support Volunteer

See below for the applications steps.