Good listeners are needed to operate a vital helpline run by a charity working to better the lives of people in Cumbria.
The helpline, run by Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS), is often the first port of call for anyone in the county struggling with substance use — be it their own or someone else’s.
“Shifts are currently Monday to Friday, morning or afternoon, for three-and-a-half hours,” says Lois Sparling, volunteer co-ordinator for CADAS.
“We’d especially welcome volunteers who can come into one of our centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal or Workington. But it is possible to set them up to work from home if they’ve got a quiet, confidential space with a computer and reliable internet access.”
Would-be volunteers who are successful at interview will be expected to complete an online training course on Understanding and Working with Addictive Behaviours.
This will require about three hours of their time each week for seven weeks, starting early in the new year. An additional face-to-face training day is planned – available in either Barrow or Carlisle -pandemic permitting.
CADAS is also keen to find volunteers to help run support groups across the county, especially for vulnerable young people. These volunteers will likewise need to complete the UWAB training.
For more information, email Lois Sparling at Loiss@cadas.co.uk or call her on 07714 773289, 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
