In 2004 SAFE@LAST launched its free, confidential 24 hr Helpline which offers help, advice and practical support where necessary to children and young people who are at risk through running away. This includes children who have run away or been forced to leave home or who are thinking that this may be their only real alternative.

Since 2004 this service has expanded to include a text service and most recently web chat. These additional aspects to the helpline were introduced as a response to what young people were telling us about the ways in which they prefer to communicate with us.

Helpline calls, text and webchats from vulnerable young people are answered by a dedicated team of SAFE@LAST volunteers.  There will be training in April 2010 for those wishing to become helpline volunteers and join this fantastic team.

The dates for the next training course for new recruits are.

Tuesday 13 April 6pm – 9pm

• Saturday 17 April 10am – 4:30pm
• Tuesday 20 April 6pm – 9pm
• Saturday 24 April 10am – 1pm (Child Protection Training)

The venue where the training will take place will be confirmed to those who wish to take part, but we expect it to be in Dinnington.  Please note it is important to attend all the above dates.  If you are not available for all of them or are unable to complete the entire course, we will need to include you to participate in a future training course which we will notify you of as soon as dates have been set.  Refreshments and sandwiches will be provided at all sessions.

The training sessions will be delivered by a combination of experienced members of staff and/or volunteers and will cover a range of different workshops including topics such as active listening skills.  The training will also include elements of ‘skills practice’ which we feel is important.  We view the training as a mutual assessment – for you to check out if you are suited to the role of a helpline volunteer and for us to review your skills and competency.

If you are interested in taking part in the training and becoming a helpline volunteer please contact Head of Operations Mark Smith on 01909 566977 or by emailing him.