Family Lives is a National Charity we operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship. Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a ...
Home Based Live Chat Volunteer - Coram Family Lives
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Sue Beaumont
Provided
#101798
Scan me or visit www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/o/familylives/opportunities/Home-Based-Live-Chat-Volunteer---Coram-Family-Lives/101798 to join
Our Live Chat volunteers offer support to families, carers and others on issues such as poverty, behavioural issues, problems with schools, relationship issues,
Live Chat Volunteer – Coram Family Lives
Make a difference to families when they need it most
Coram Family Lives has been supporting families for over 40 years. Founded by volunteers, our aim has always been simple: to ensure that no parent feels alone and that support is available before challenges become crises.
We believe that the right support at the right time can change lives.
Today, we provide early intervention and crisis support to families facing a wide range of challenges—helping them build resilience, confidence, and stronger futures.
Our Purpose
Mission: Building better family lives together
Vision: Every family has access to active support and understanding
Values: Trustworthy • Compassionate • Collaborative
About the Role
As a Live Chat Volunteer, you will be part of a flexible and supportive team, offering empathic, informed support to parents, carers, and others through our online service.
Our live chat is free, confidential, and accessed via our website. You will provide emotional support, practical guidance, and signposting on a wide range of family issues.
What You’ll Do
With full training and ongoing support, you will:
- Provide compassionate emotional support via live chat
- Use Family Lives’ support model to respond effectively
- Deliver a high-quality, person-centred experience for every user
- Signpost families to relevant services and resources
- Record chat information accurately
- Alert supervisors to any safeguarding or complex situations
Why Volunteer With Us?
- Make a real and lasting difference to families in need
- Gain valuable experience for your CV and references
- Develop new skills, knowledge, and confidence
- Be part of a supportive team of staff and volunteers
- Access training, supervision, and development opportunities
- Meet and engage with a diverse range of people
- Flexible volunteering hours
- Expenses reimbursed (up to £10 per session when centre-based)
Commitment
- One 4-hour shift per week
- Attendance training, debrief and supervision sessions
- Ideally a 12-month commitment
Location: Remote (home-based)
Eligibility: Must be a UK resident
What You’ll Need
For home-based volunteering:
- A laptop or PC
- Plug-in headset with microphone
- Reliable high-speed broadband
- A private, quiet workspace
- Basic IT confidence and troubleshooting ability
Training & Support
You will receive:
- Comprehensive initial training
- Support and supervision during every shift
- Debrief after each session
- Ongoing access to support and annual review
All roles are subject to a satisfactory DBS check (which Coram Family Lives will pay for).
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome individuals who:
- Have experience of parenting or working with parents or children
- Can respond empathetically and sensitively to emotional situations
- Have strong written communication and IT skills
- Can type at 55+ words per minute (minimum requirement)
- Are open-minded, non-judgemental, and reflective
- Can work within policies, especially confidentiality and safeguarding
- Are committed to teamwork, learning, and personal development
Application Process
Before applying, you will be asked to complete a typing test:
- Take a 1-minute test (up to 3 attempts)
- Achieve at least 55 words per minute
- Submit a screenshot showing:
- Speed
- Number of errors
- Adjusted speed
Interested?
Get in touch to request a full role description and application form
Join us and help ensure that every family has someone to turn to when it matters most.
Related to
About Family Lives
Family Lives is a National Charity we operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship. Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. Our volunteers are a lifeline to many families going through a difficult time wide range of subjects. Become a Helpline Volunteer and enjoy the experience of helping others as well as improving your own wellbeing. If you are good at listening and can spare a few hours a week, we want to hear from you. Full training is provided, you can train and volunteer from home if you have a PC/Laptop and good internet connection and a private place to volunteer and headphones.
You can find out more about our services on our website www.familylives.org.uk
Parenting and Family Support - Family Lives (Parentline Plus)
Parenting and family support from Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus) through our website, helpline 0808 800 2222, email service at askus@familylives.org.uk and local services.