Get Involved > Volunteering

Volunteering

counsellor
committed to supporting survivors

Volunteering as a counsellor with Northamptonshire Rape Crisis is one of the most meaningful ways to support survivors of sexual violence in our community.

Our volunteer counsellors help survivors feel heard, believed and supported as they begin to rebuild their lives.

We’re a feminist, trauma‑informed organisation, and our counselling team is made up entirely of trained female counsellors who provide safe, specialist support to women and girls, men and boys, LGBTQ+ survivors, and young people aged 14+.

If you’re committed to supporting survivors and want to develop your therapeutic skills within a values‑led organisation, volunteering with NRC could be the right path for you.

Volunteer Counsellor Role

Our volunteer counsellors deliver free, specialist counselling to survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.

You’ll offer weekly sessions, helping survivors explore their experiences, understand trauma responses and begin healing at their own pace.

We provide:

  • Accredited pre‑placement training
  • Regular clinical supervision
  • Ongoing support from our Counselling Manager
  • A warm, grounded team environment
  • Opportunities to develop your therapeutic practice

Your contribution makes a direct, lasting difference to survivors across Northamptonshire.

Minimum Requirements

To volunteer as a counsellor with NRC, you must have:

  • A minimum Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (or be working towards it)
  • The ability to commit to regular weekly counselling slots

These requirements ensure you’re equipped to work safely, ethically and confidently with survivors of sexual trauma.

You can read more about the role, expectations and training in our pack:
Volunteer Counsellor Application Pack  

Training and Commitment

All volunteer counsellors complete our accredited training programme before seeing clients. This training is designed to prepare you for working safely and effectively with survivors of sexual violence. You’ll also receive ongoing supervision and support throughout your time with us.

Volunteers commit to offering regular counselling each week and to working within NRC’s feminist, trauma‑informed values.

If you become an NRC volunteer counsellor, you’ll:

  • Be asked to remain an active volunteer counsellor with NRC for a minimum of two years
  • Provide a minimum of three counselling sessions per week
  • Attend and prepare for monthly clinical supervision sessions
  • Benefit from learning and complying with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Receive on-going training and continued professional development via a minimum of two internal workshops each year
  • Complete data entry on our DPMS database

Get Involved:

“ Becoming a NRC counsellor has been so rewarding, supporting individuals in finding their own strength.

I've expanded my capacity for deeper empathy and cross-cultural understanding. ”
Service user

Recruitment

We are not currently recruiting for our next cohort of volunteer counsellors.

When applications are open, details will appear here. If you’d like to be notified when recruitment begins, please contact us to express your interest:

 Express your Interest   

 

Why Volunteer With NRC

Volunteering with us means becoming part of a team that believes in safety, dignity and equality for all survivors.

You’ll be supported, valued and encouraged as you grow your skills and you’ll be making a real difference in people’s lives.

Download Volunteer Counsellor Application Pack