At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people through counselling, gaining hands-on experience and skills.
- Company: Join No Limits, a leading youth services charity in Southampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, wellbeing days, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your counselling skills.
- Qualifications: Studying Level 5 or above in counselling and ready to work with ages 11-17.
Role Terms
- Hours: Monday - Friday 1pm - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 1.30pm
- Place of work: Southampton
- Responsible to: Operations Manager – Therapeutic Services
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS): Enhanced DBS – Child and Adult Barred List
- Essential driver? No, but must be able to independently travel to the role location
- Closing Date: Monday, 7th of September 2026
- Interview Date: Tuesday, 15th of September 2026
Our Charity
No Limits is the leading youth services charity in Southampton, supporting children and young people in the city and across Hampshire. At No Limits, it is important our staff and volunteers reflect, represent, and have experience of the challenges faced by the children and young people we support. We are proud of and appreciate our many staff and volunteers who use their own lived experience to support the children and young people they work with.
With this in mind, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work and organisational culture – and when recruiting, it’s important to us that we continue diversifying our staff and volunteer teams, with children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
Your Role
Are you looking for a supportive volunteering opportunity in a friendly organisation, where you are valued, and helped to grow? Part of our Therapeutic Services team, our counselling placements provide first-hand experience, allowing you to develop your skills, access Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and gain practical insight of working with children and young people.
What we offer Volunteer Counsellors
- Opportunity to typically support, on average, three children and young people each week, to develop your practice
- Dedicated Manager support from a qualified practitioner, regular team meetings and opportunities for peer support with other Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
- Full induction and training programme: Access to free mandatory training, such as safeguarding and health and safety, as well as other online and face-to-face training and opportunities, to support your personal and CPD
- Commitment to supporting the growth of our Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
- FREE clinical supervision – 1.5 hours every other week
- No Limits has dedicated Admin support
- Expenses are paid, if you need to travel to see a child or young person for your placement
Feedback
“My peers are very supportive, warm and friendly. It is clear we care about each other’s wellbeing, as much as the wellbeing of those who we provide a service.”
“Learning and development opportunities in No Limits are exemplary.”
If you are currently:
- Studying at Level 5, or above, in a relevant counselling qualification
- Have your fitness/readiness to practice
- Are a member of a professional, ethical counselling body
- Able to work with 11 to 17 year olds - most of our counselling referrals are for this age group, so please only apply if you are able to work with this age group
You must also be available for one of the following regular sessions, please let us know your preferred slot in your application:
- Monday - Friday 1pm - 6pm
- Saturday 10am - 1.30pm
You will be very much part of our team, so you will be invited to other meetings and organisational events too. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and young people we work with, and as such, you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the No Limits ethos. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
We particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who have had experiences similar to the young people we aim to support. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where people can be their authentic selves, where their experiences and opinions are valued, and we are all open to learning from each other.
As part of our team, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and access to learning and development opportunities relevant to your role, supporting your ongoing growth.
Please let us know if we can support you with any reasonable adjustments at any point prior to, during or after the selection process, such as access arrangements, flexible working, or a suitable place to pray.
Our Benefits
- 36 days annual leave (including public holidays)
- Two additional wellbeing days per year – Supporting you to take additional time off for your wellbeing or development.
- Pension scheme – Supporting your future by matching your additional pension contributions up to 2%.
- Life assurance scheme – Giving you peace of mind with 2x annual salary cover for pension members.
- Hybrid and flexible working – Giving the flexibility to work in the best way for your role.
- Comprehensive induction and training offer – Including our online learning management system with hundreds of opportunities to support your development.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Providing you with counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services.
Volunteer Counsellor (Hybrid) — CPD, Supervision & Benefits in Southampton employer: Nolimitshelp
No Limits is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across Hampshire. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that values personal experiences and encourages professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our generous benefits package, including 36 days of annual leave and wellbeing support, ensures that our staff are well cared for both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor (Hybrid) — CPD, Supervision & Benefits in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering with local mental health organisations or support groups. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to the field.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you're a student, tap into your university career services to find volunteering opportunities in therapy and counselling. Many universities have partnerships with local clinics and organisations looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
✨Join Online Therapy Communities
Hop onto platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find groups dedicated to therapy and counselling. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can make you more visible to those looking for volunteers, plus you’ll learn a ton along the way.
✨Keep an Eye on Local Events
Watch out for mental health awareness days or workshops happening in your area. These events can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field, plus you might find out about volunteering openings directly from the organisers. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor (Hybrid) — CPD, Supervision & Benefits in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the therapy and counselling fields, it’s super important to showcase any volunteer work or practical experience you've had. Whether it's work at a helpline, internship at a clinic, or even informal support roles, make sure to detail the skills you've gained that are relevant to the role at Nolimitshelp.
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your genuine motivation for wanting to help others come through. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate why you’re interested in volunteering in therapy and counselling—this helps us see your heart for it and connects your experiences to what Nolimitshelp does.
Include Relevant Qualifications or Coursework:If you've completed any relevant courses, certifications, or even workshops related to counselling or therapy, don’t forget to mention them! Listing these in your CV can set you apart and shows that you're committed to developing your skills further, which is crucial in a volunteering role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Organisation:When crafting your cover letter for the volunteer position at Nolimitshelp, make sure to address why you specifically want to volunteer with us. Research our values, mission, and any current initiatives we’re involved in to create a personalised letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nolimitshelp
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on the specific therapy techniques or approaches you've studied. Whether it's CBT, person-centred therapy, or another method, being able to discuss these in the interview will show your understanding and preparation for the role at Nolimitshelp.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since we’re aiming for a volunteer role in therapy or counselling, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills and empathy. Consider having examples ready that demonstrate how you've supported others in past situations, even in non-professional contexts. This can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Motivation
With volunteer roles, employers at Nolimitshelp will be keen to hear about your motivation. Be honest about why you want to volunteer in therapy and how this experience fits into your personal or career goals. This openness can make a strong impression!
✨Reflect on Ethical Dilemmas
Be ready to tackle questions about ethical dilemmas in therapy. The interview might involve scenario-based questions where they want to see how you prioritize client welfare and confidentiality. Think through a few examples so you can respond confidently during the chat!
