Become a volunteer
As Anxiety UK is a user-led organisation, run by and for those with anxiety, if you have personal experience of anxiety and would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.
We currently have over 800 volunteers who give their time; carrying out a range of roles including volunteering on our national helpline, being a member of our national participation group member through to joining our Anxiety UK Approved Therapist Scheme.
Supporting those with Anxiety
We know that if you’ve been living with anxiety, stress and/or anxiety-based depression, voluntary work can be a very big step and there are many barriers that might deter you from volunteering.
However, as we are a user-led charity we understand anxiety so we ensure to provide a supportive environment for our volunteers. This role can provide you with informal, transitional work if your long-term goal is to get back into employment.
Helpline volunteer
About the role
Working as an Helpline Volunteer at Anxiety UK is a rewarding and varied experience for anyone interested in working within the field of mental health and looking to learn skills in customer service and administration.
You will be the first point of call for callers taking the first step in seeking help for their anxiety. As a helpline volunteer, you will provide callers with support and information on getting help; conveying the message that anxiety is both manageable and treatable.
Please be aware this role is remote so you will be volunteering from your home. We have software that allows calls to come through to your computer plus an online system to respond to emails & texts.
Requirements for the role
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Ability to provide empathetic listening (not counselling) to callers looking for support
- Have an understanding of/interest in anxiety disorders
- Be reliable and committed
- Provide information on anxiety, Anxiety UK services and related issues to callers
- Have a Windows or Mac system (i.e. not a tablet) to run the call software on
Please note that due to the time investment incurred in training volunteers, we require a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for at least 6 months.
Helpline Volunteer
Benefits of volunteering on the helpline
Feel good factor of helping those in need |
Yes |
Full training and support provided |
Yes |
References available |
Yes, once 3 months served (available up to one year post volunteering) |
Discount to our membership |
Yes, once 3 months served |
Access to therapy at relevant fee tier without prior membership |
Yes, once 3 months served |
Regular opportunities for training and CPD |
Yes |
Expand experience of working in mental health |
Yes |
Reimbursement of reasonable expenses |
Yes |
Access to external supervision |
Yes |
National Participation Group Member
About the role
Our national participation group is a group of volunteers who volunteer their time in a variety of ways, helping with tasks such as:
- Undertaking book, app or other product reviews
- Attending events
- Contributing to media requests
- Providing feedback on new or existing Anxiety UK services
Testimonials
It has been a wonderful experience being a part of the AUK participation group. I have written some books reviews, and there are also opportunities to speak to a broader audience on anxiety and how to destigmatize it. ~ Paul Gurney, Anxiety UK Participation Group Member
I joined Anxiety UK Participation to contribute to a cause that I care about, make a difference and use my skills in a productive way. The task I particularly enjoyed is beta testing and reviewing applications ~ Grace Sanusi, Anxiety UK Participation Group Member
I have loved all of the tasks I have been a part of so far, it helps me learn more from a professional point of view and also makes me feel good to know that I am helping other people with anxiety. ~ Gemma Lupton, Anxiety UK Participation Group Member
Become an Anxiety UK Approved Therapist
About the role
If you are a qualified therapist, in training, or working towards accreditation, joining the Anxiety UK Approved Therapist scheme will provide you with the opportunity to work with clients presenting with a wide range of anxiety disorders, whilst also facilitating access to a number of Anxiety UK Approved Therapist benefits including CPD opportunities.
If you’re a trainee (requiring a placement), securing a placement with Anxiety UK will provide you with an opportunity gain significant experience and skills with working with clients presenting with a wide range of anxiety disorders, whilst being under the umbrella of a national charity.
We have placement opportunities for students on counselling and CBT courses. We also welcome applications from therapists who have undertaken Part 1 of an official, Anxiety UK recognised EMDR course.
If you’re a qualified therapist the Anxiety UK Approved Therapist scheme gives you the opportunity to gain further experience of working with clients presenting with a wide range of anxiety disorders as well as the opportunity to become an expert in a particular area – for instance, the provision of therapy for clients from specific BME communities, from the LGBTQ community or from other specialist groups.
If you’re new to private practice, the Anxiety UK Approved Therapist scheme will enable you to gain valuable experience of working with clients presenting with a wide range of anxiety disorders from agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder through to specific phobias, OCD and health anxiety; helping you to build your knowledge and understanding of working with such conditions.
“The best thing about volunteering is when you
connect with people and know that you are
making a difference”
