What support will be available to me?

After successful completion of a six month probation period, Parents Advice Centre's (PAC) Helpline Volunteers are provided with continuous in-house support and skills development. This consists of ...

monthly support and supervision meetings
skills development workshops led by professionals in related fields
quarterly Helpline Volunteer Forums

On a daily basis, PAC aims to have at least two Helpline Volunteers on each rota, and there is always a Helpline Staff Supervisor to provide immediate support. Each local PAC Branch also has one or more administrative staff.

The local branches are supported by a team at the Head Office in Belfast. This team includes the Regional Manager for the Helpline and Appointment Service.

PAC’s Commitment to Helpline Volunteers

PAC seeks to recognise and support the valuable contribution that Helpline Volunteers make to the organisation's work, and recognises that it has certain responsibilities for its Helpline Volunteers. These are to ...

provide a rewarding volunteering opportunity
value and show appreciation to all Helpline Volunteers
define a clear and meaningful role for Helpline Volunteers
create policies and practices that enable the effective involvement of Helpline Volunteers
have a fair recruitment and selection procedure
communicate all necessary information to Helpline Volunteers
be available to provide support to Helpline Volunteers
provide out-of-pocket expenses appropriate to the budget allocation
ensure that there is a safe and pleasant working environment (both physical and emotional)
provide appropriate insurance cover
organise training, and promote opportunities for the personal development of Helpline Volunteers