Self-Harm Volunteer (Live Chat)

Penumbra Self-Harm Recovery Network Scotland
VO103183

Penumbra Mental Health is a pioneering Scottish charity dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to better mental health. Established in 1985, Penumbra offers a wide range of services across Scotland, including crisis support, suicide prevention, supported living, and peer support. The organization places a strong emphasis on the value of lived experience, employing peer workers who have personally navigated mental health challenges to provide empathetic and effective support.

Self-Harm Network Volunteer Role:
The Self-Harm Network Volunteer will utilise their unique understanding gained from managing their own mental health to assist staff in the smooth delivery of our Self-Harm support web chat.
Time Commitment
Flexible – (live chat operational hours are 6 pm–10 pm, 7 days per week). Ideally commitment of one 4-hour shift per week.
Location
National – across Scotland (Home Based)
Closing Date to Apply
Sunday 15th June at 7 pm
Training Dates

Self-harm awareness – 16th July 6 pm - 9 pm

Text-based support – 26th July 9:10 am – 5 pm

Escalation and safeguarding – 30th July 6 pm – 9 pm
Interview Dates
Tuesday 1st July & Thursday 3rd July 2025
Volunteering Role
• Support our staff to deliver our online web chat supporting people who self-harm.
• Contribute experience on the chat that will help to inform our approach, data, and the Scottish Government’s self-harm strategy development.
• Commit to putting Penumbra’s values into practice and uphold Penumbra’s Code of Practice.
• Be aware of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Let us know of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your volunteering so we can find ways to best support you.
We Can Offer You
• The latest information and thinking on Self-Harm.
• Training on mental health approaches, resources and tools.
• A robust induction with 1:1 shadowing opportunities to build confidence and support your role.
• Regular support and supervision as well as practice reflection opportunities throughout the year.
• The opportunity to build and enhance your CV.
• A reference for future career choices.
• And so much more!
Get in Touch
If you think you require reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact us at recruitment@penumbra.org.uk.
If you’d like an informal chat about this role and volunteering for Penumbra Mental Health, please contact Adriana Vivas Zurita (Senior Practitioner) at adriana.vivaszurita@penumbra.org.uk

If you are interested, please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder for your emails, just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out, then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on info@volunteerglasgow.org

To Apply
Submit application form here: https://isw.changeworknow.co.uk/penumbra/vms/e/careers/positions/aqI5WnwXHm_4e0XIoW3NqB
Recruitment pack: https://penumbra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Self-Harm-Volunteer-Recruitment-Pack.pdf

Experience required

Essential:
Aged 18 or over.
Good communication and excellent listening skills
Open to supporting a diverse range of people with a non-judgemental approach.
A kind, caring and empathetic person with a positive and hopeful attitude.
Reliable and respectful
Ability to reflect and build on experience and ask for additional support of required.
Confidence in working as part of a team.

Desirable:
Knowledge and Experience - Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role
Working wi

Travel details

The Live Chat role is home-based

Travel expenses

Penumbra reimburses volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during their volunteering activities. Given that the Live Chat role is home-based, typical expenses might be minimal. However, if you incur any costs related to your volunteering duties, it's advisable to discuss reimbursement procedures with your volunteer coordinator.

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