Volunteer Helpline Counsellor 2026

Youthline are taking expressions of interest for 2026 volunteer helpline counsellors. This is a fantastic way to meet other amazing volunteers and ensure that every young person in New Zealand has somewhere to turn for support. We train, support and develop our volunteers to ensure they are confident and equipped to take on this challenging and rewarding role. Youthline Wellington contributes to the delivery of a free 24/7 Helpline service on multiple platforms such as phone, text, webchat and email. Youthline aims to provide an emergency contact for people in immediate distress; confidential first contact counselling for any person who seeks help in overcoming their difficulties; and be a referral point for persons in need of expert advice or treatment with those possessing the necessary skills. Helpline counsellor volunteers carry out a minimum of 15 hours on the Helpline every 3 months. Helpline shifts are 3hrs between 2pm and 10:30pm. You will be supporting clients through phone, text, webchat and email mediums. All conversations are confidential. Helpline Counsellors are supported on-shift by remote staff. Counsellors are required to complete written incident reports as needed. Shifts can be done remotely, given approval of working conditions is met. Counsellors will attend monthly 2hr group supervision to discuss their wellbeing and to debrief about shifts.
A minimum commitment of 12 months from the end of the training and mentoring program is expected.