Listening Volunteer

The Wren Project relies on dedicated volunteers to offer listening support to people living in distress as a result of an autoimmune disease diagnosis. As our volunteer, you would provide remote, one-to-one listening support to individuals living with the complexities of a diagnosis. As a volunteer, you would offer 1:1 listening support to those affected by auto-immune conditions. Here are the key details:

Role Description:

• Listening Support: Volunteers provide empathetic and non-judgmental listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases (referred to as “Our Wrens”). A volunteer's focus is on allowing Wrens to express their feelings without offering advice or solutions.

• Regular Sessions: You’ll participate in fortnightly 50-minute sessions with two separate Wrens via telephone or video call.

• Training and Assessment: After submitting an application, successful applicants undergo a 4-week remote training program focused on listening skills and supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. A final one-to-one assessment ensures readiness before matching with a Wren.

• Ongoing Support: Volunteers receive ongoing support and the opportunity to continue to develop their listening skills from experienced volunteers, Operations team and clinical supervisors.

Requirements:

• No Prior Knowledge Needed: Volunteers do not need specific knowledge or experience related to autoimmune diseases.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude;

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments;

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection;

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability;

• Monthly Commitment: Regular attendance (twice a month) is required for an  initial 12 month period.

• Skill-Building: Gain lifelong skills in deep listening and develop reflective skills by attending monthly reflective practice sessions

What difference will you make?

Our volunteers provide a space for those in distress with an autoimmune disease to feel heard. Through listening and reflecting with our Wrens, our volunteers can help Wrens to feel supported and less isolated. 

Here is some of the feedback we have received on listening sessions with our volunteers:

'My volunteer has gently and skilfully supported me to reflect and reframe my anxieties and facilitated me to look forwards with more positivity.  It is work in progress but I am able to encounter setbacks with a little less fear and a title more positivity because of my listeners support' 

'Thank you - you’ve made the whole experience feel so safe, validating and welcoming. One of the very few [people] I’ve felt able to really be vulnerable with emotionally and you have helped me begin to process my health issues' 

'I really felt able to build a rapport and trusting relationship with my volunteer. Made a big difference to coping' 

The Wren Project is the only charity in the UK to provide  support for all autoimmune diseases. 

If you’re interested in participating, volunteering, or supporting our work, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!