Get Involved!

Being part of Nightline is a rewarding and valuable experience. If you have any queries about becoming a Nightliner or what being a Nightliner involves, then please email training.leedsnightline@hotmail.co.uk.

Who can volunteer?

We welcome any students from Leeds University, Leeds Metropolitan and Leeds Trinity. No experience is required as comprehensive training is provided; however, to be eligible, we ask that you are able to attend all training sessions.

What we expect from our volunteers

We strive to select the best volunteers in order to achieve our high standards of service to all students in Leeds. As such, our volunteers need to be enthusiastic, reliable and committed to the organisation. They must also understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and anonymity within the service at all times - what happens in Nightline, stays in Nightline!

Volunteers are required to staff the phone lines for a minimum of three nights per term from 8pm - 8am. We understand that students have busy lives, so we operate on a rota basis where you can choose whichever night is convenient for you. In addition, we ask that everyone attend our monthly meetings, along with helping to promote the Nightline services.

What our volunteers can expect from us

As a Nightliner, your support is greatly appreciated. In return, we offer you:

• Training in listening and communication skills
• Training in providing information
• Knowledge of student and University life in Leeds
• The experience of being a part of a supportive and sociable team
• The opportunity to extend responsibilities within the service by becoming part of the support team, publicity team, or even a member of the Nightline Committee

What does training involve?

Nightline training is an intensive process, designed to prepare you to handle any call you may receive as a volunteer.

After completing our application form, the next stage involves attending an informal interview - this is just so we can get to know you a bit better and see whether you are suited to be a Nightliner. It also gives you the opportunity to find out more about Nightline and ask us any additional questions you may have.

If successful, you will then be asked to take part in Nightline's training sessions. These training sessions will be held on two consecutive weekends in October, where volunteers are trained in small groups by experienced Nightliners. It is a requirement that all volunteers MUST attend ALL training sessions.

During training, volunteers develop an understanding of Nightline's principles, as well as good listening and information providing skills, and learning how to apply these to the wide range of situations you may face during a call, by email or instant messaging. Finally, there will be a short assessment in order to evaluate the skills you have developed during training.

Further Opportunities

There are many ways to become more involved in Nightline and develop your skills further. You could join the Nightline Coordinating Team and have a big hand in the running of the organisation. Or there is the Support Team that ensures that your fellow volunteers are supported and informed. If you have original ideas about promoting the service and/or fundraising, you could join the Publicity or Fundraising Team. Finally, you could become a trainer and be a valuable part of the team that prepares the new volunteers.

We hope to hear from you soon!