Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of the work that we do. They provide thousands of hours of crucial and highly skilled support to survivors and our organisation every year.

There are a number of ways that you can get involved with supporting people affected by rape and sexual abuse. These range from offering emotional support and trauma information to victim-survivors through to administration, fundraising, campaigning, and being involved in decision making.

Volunteering with us provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills and experience, meet new friends and be part of a passionate team committed to ending gender-based violence.

We understand that there are many different reasons why you might give your time to SARSAS. We will explore these with you so we can support you on your volunteering journey with us.

We value our volunteers as part of our team and can offer you a thorough induction, ongoing support, additional training and development opportunities, and clinical group supervision.

You don’t necessarily need to have experience in support work or working with sexual violence and abuse to volunteer – your personal qualities, views, and commitment to supporting victim-survivors are more important. Our comprehensive training will equip you with the knowledge to build on your skills and experience.

For more information on volunteering at SARSAS, read our frequently-asked-questions.

Volunteering opportunities

We usually recruit volunteers twice a year in the Spring and early Autumn. All volunteering opportunities are advertised on our website and on social media. Keep an eye on our website and social media to keep up-to-date with any opportunities.

If you’re interested in our Helpline and Live Chat volunteer role, please email volunteer@sarsas.org.uk and we can let you know when we next open recruitment.

No post found!

Frequently asked questions

Older lady on the phone and writing with a pen

A day in the life of a helpline volunteer

Hear from one of our awesome volunteers about what she does on a helpline shift.

Young female smiling at another female

Volunteering with the communications team

A comms volunteer talks about their experience at SARSAS and why you should get involved too.

lots of hands up

Volunteer voices

Our volunteer team talk about why they volunteer for SARSAS and what it means to them.

The latest from our news and blogs

SARC

What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?

A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.

UoB_Stall with Safelink

We’re Here: a campaign for survivors of sexual assault in Bristol

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been proud to be part of something really special. The “We’re Here” campaign launched across Bristol to let survivors of sexual assault know: you’re not alone, and there is support.

Screenshot 2025-03-07 121744

Be the change: how to be an Active Bystander

We can all be bystanders. Every day events unfold around us. At some point, we will register someone in danger. When this happens, we can decide to do or say something (and become an active bystander), or to let it go (and remain a passive bystander).