Applications for Training starting September 2022 are now OPEN.
If you would like to join Nightline as a listening Volunteer and undertake training in the Autumn 2022 term, please complete this application:
https://forms.gle/ruC481dYQUTYkasA8
WHY should you volunteer with Nightline?
If you have a desire to give back to the student community and help support to your fellow students, Aberdeen Nightline is a great place to volunteer. It is a rewarding, inspiring, and challenging experience where you will develop and improve your communication and listening skills. As it is a confidential service, only Nightliners know which other students are Nightliners! This makes it almost like a secret society, full of great listeners who support one another.
This is a wonderful way to get involved with the student body and will help enhance your CV. Nightline volunteers are also eligible to partake in the STAR Award and Saltire Award schemes.
WHO should volunteer with Nightline?
You have to be a registered student at Aberdeen University in order to volunteer at Aberdeen Nightline. All undergraduates and postgraduates years are warmly welcome. Please note you must have at least one full year left of university to be considered for training.
There is no prior experience needed before volunteering with Nightline, as you are given training which covers all the skills needed. However, since Aberdeen Nightline is a confidential and anonymous service you must also be able to keep private any information you get about callers or other Nightline volunteers. All of our volunteers must be able to demonstrate our core values when working as Nightliners. This includes:
- being non-judgmental — no matter what topic the caller brings
- being non-advisory — even if you feel you have useful advice to give, it is not our place as a service to do so
- being non-directional — trying not to explain or interpret the caller’s issues or lead the conversation
Once you become a Nightline volunteer, there is a minimum commitment of completing three 12-hour shifts every term.
HOW do you become a Nightline volunteer?
To become an official Nightline volunteer you need complete six, weekly 2-hour training sessions. Once your training is complete you will be assessed through mock calls. If you satisfactorily complete this, you can start taking calls with your first two shifts being supervised by an experienced Nightliner. Then to remain a Nightline volunteer you are just required to complete three shifts a semester and ensure you stay up to date.
WHEN can I volunteer?
Training commences in September/October and January/February each year. To find out when the next session will be taking place or to get your name on the next semester’s mailing list, please email us at: nightline@ausa.org.uk
WHAT does training involve?
Training consists of a number of weekly sessions followed by a training weekend (it is fun I promise) and followed by a relaxed assessment. Throughout training you will be given teaching on our policies, opportunities to practice by undertaking roleplays and the ability to ask questions at any time. Throughout training you will be given feedback on your performance.
WHAT support are you given as a volunteer?
We have a strong, active and supportive committee surrounding the Nightliners. They are always available should you have any questions or need any further support. The more practice you get the stronger your skills become. Before you know it you may be training someone else! There is always the opportunity to train others in the future if you want.