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First Step Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape (aged 13+), and their loved ones

WHITE

We are privileged and proud to have a highly skilled and committed team of volunteer counsellors supporting male clients who have suffered the trauma of sexual abuse and rape. They underpin all our successes and are at the heart of our service.

Download and complete: Volunteer Application Form

Who are our volunteer counsellors?

We take volunteers on placement as well as attracting qualified counsellors. The minimum entry requirement for a volunteer is being on the year 2 of the level 4 diploma, or as close to starting the second year as possible. Volunteers need to have been ‘signed off as fit to practice’ by their tutor, and have had a minimum of 10 hours personal therapy which will preferably be ongoing throughout the training period.

We are able to offer availability in the daytime or evenings. We are happy to have both male and female counsellors and, although mostly person-centred, we have a range of modalities within our team.

We ask that volunteers commit to at least a year with us but we have counsellors who have served 5 years and beyond still supporting clients today. Our clients are offered an initial 6 months contract so it is important that we have flexibility to continue beyond that if the client is still making progress with the work.

What support do we offer?

Placements are supported with induction, peer support, clinical supervision and quality training linked to the specific needs presented by our clients. Travel expenses and 1 hour of monthly clinical supervision is paid for by First Step.

All out-of-session contact with clients is handled by members of staff. This means that any cancellations or apologies will be passed on to volunteers via a staff member. We provides a safe, structured and supportive environment to work in.

Feedback from the team tells us that the peer to peer support they get from each other is invaluable. We invest in our volunteers. The ability to talk about their own training needs has encouraged many to define our training days throughout the year.

Where do our counsellors work from?

Our main office is in a city centre location, opposite Town Hall Square. It is a comfortable, welcoming and secure site with 3 purpose built counselling rooms. Our offices are staffed at all times, so there is no need for lone working. Some counselling takes place online, by phone or in a satellite location.

How do I apply to be a volunteer counsellor?

Please complete this Volunteer Application Form and return to contact@firststepleicester.org.uk For placement volunteers, it is useful if you give us an idea of when you need to start your placement. 

Your application will usually be responded to within 14 working days. Successful applicants must be available to attend an informal interview followed by induction and training sessions.

“Working as a placement counsellor at First Step has been a very rewarding experience. From the initial training provided to the ongoing time and help, I have always felt valued and supported. There have been lots of opportunities for development and training, all of which has helped me provide the best I can for the clients who attend the service.” Cheers Daisy