At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals leaving high-control religions through a helpline and peer support.
- Company: Join Faith to Faithless, a Humanists UK programme empowering apostates.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience and training.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team creating positive change in society.
- Qualifications: Open to all; lived experience of leaving a high-control religion is a plus.
- Other info: Volunteers must be UK-based and will undergo a DBS check.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK's support programme for so-called 'apostates'. The whole Faith to Faithless service is led by apostates themselves, who have knowledge and experiences of apostate communities facing serious and systemic issues. These issues range from emotional and physical abuse from family members, friends, and peers in their community through homelessness, shunning, 'honour-based' abuse and killings, and systemic failures by statutory organisations to support apostates.
Faith to Faithless engages in several activities, over three main areas of work:
- We provide a platform for apostate voices to be heard, and raise awareness of the issues they face so that others don't suffer in the same ways, ensuring we have built trust within the apostate community. We do this both online, through our dedicated website, and through speaker and panel events that are open to the public.
- We provide an apostate support programme through facilitated peer support groups and other 'meet-ups'.
- We train statutory and support organisations like police, social services, and mental health organisations to better understand the issues apostates face, and the sorts of policy and practice implications this might have for the organisation.
Our work has brought us into contact with tens of thousands of apostates, and we have been able to directly support over a thousand since the dedicated programme started. We launched a helpline for apostates in the summer of 2023, for people leaving high-control religions, and we're looking for committed, compassionate volunteers to join the expanding team. You can positively impact lives and help create a more inclusive society. Join us today and be part of the change!
The current helpline opening hours are:
- Wednesday - 10:00-13:00
- Thursday - 16:00-19:00
- Friday - 08:00-11:00
To find out more about the role of a Helpline Volunteer, take a look at our application pack and see if it sounds right for you. You are welcome to contact the Faith to Faithless Service Manager, Donna, by email at donna@humanists.uk, or Humanists UK at volunteers@humanists.uk, to discuss the role before applying.
Volunteers need to be based in the UK for this role. We would particularly welcome applications from those with lived experience of leaving a high-control religion. Please note that volunteers will be subject to a DBS check and required to complete adult safeguarding training if recruited.
Volunteer role: Faith to Faithless Helpline Listener employer: Humanists International
Contact Detail:
Humanists International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer role: Faith to Faithless Helpline Listener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the issues faced by apostates. Understanding their experiences will not only help you connect better during your volunteering but also demonstrate your commitment to the cause when you engage with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current volunteers or staff members, like Donna, to ask about their experiences. This can provide you with valuable insights into the role and show your genuine interest in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your motivations for wanting to volunteer. Reflect on why this role resonates with you and how your personal values align with the mission of Faith to Faithless.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in support roles or community work during your conversations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is ready to make a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer role: Faith to Faithless Helpline Listener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Helpline Listener. Familiarise yourself with the issues faced by apostates and the support provided by Faith to Faithless.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience, especially if you have lived experience of leaving a high-control religion. Emphasise skills such as empathy, active listening, and any previous volunteer work that aligns with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for supporting apostates. Share personal motivations for wanting to volunteer and how your experiences can contribute to the helpline's mission.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of the challenges faced by apostates and how you would handle sensitive situations. Show your commitment to creating a supportive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanists International
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand what being a Helpline Listener entails. Familiarise yourself with the issues apostates face and the support that Faith to Faithless provides.
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with individuals who have faced difficult situations. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your compassion and understanding of sensitive topics.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any experience in support roles, counselling, or working with vulnerable communities, be sure to mention it. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.