Volunteer for the Wren Project
Be there for someone who needs support
Our incredible team of volunteers provide life-changing support to people in distress, our Wrens, as a result of an autoimmune disease diagnosis.
Through fortnightly video or telephone calls, they deliver listening support that allows Wrens the opportunity to talk openly about their experience of autoimmune disease.
Volunteers don’t need to have a personal experience of autoimmune disease, or any particular qualifications to join us. They are simply warm, empathetic people wanting to support another during a difficult time.
All of our volunteers are supported through ongoing reflective practice sessions where they can share their experience of volunteering. We also offer volunteers the opportunity to deepen their listening skills through ongoing training.
We ask all of our volunteers for a minimum one year commitment.
What you get out of being a volunteer
Above all, you experience the incredibly rewarding experience of supporting someone through a difficult period in their life. You will also learn lifelong skills in active listening, make new connections and be part of a supportive community.
Our volunteers receive ongoing training in active listening throughout their first year with us. We ensure they are supported too, through ongoing reflective practice sessions. They also have the opportunity to come along to special events, and Volunteer Days, where they can meet other volunteers in our community and share experiences. We also use these opportunities to champion the important work of our volunteers.
It’s thanks to the dedication, empathy and unwavering support of our volunteers that we are able to provide community and support to people in high levels of distress. We simply wouldn’t be Wren without them.
“Thanks to Wren, I have learnt how to truly listen and provide a safe space for someone to open up about how they are feeling. This has impacted not only my conversations as a volunteer, but all areas of my life. Everyone should do this training.”
— Nicola, Wren Project Volunteer
What our volunteers have to say
Get ready to make an impact
Our volunteers support people, our Wrens, during a very difficult time in their lives. After receiving expert training in active listening, they create a safe and welcoming space for individuals to open up about how they are truly feeling. As well as the rewarding experience of being a volunteer, you will also learn new skills and join a friendly volunteer community.
How to apply to become a volunteer
Anyone aged 18 or over and based in the UK, can apply to become a volunteer. You can register your interest via our application form, which is followed up by a group discovery conversation. If our volunteering opportunity feels like a good fit, you will be invited to join our training programme.
What support and training will I get?
You will receive high-quality, ongoing training to ensure you feel confident to become a listening volunteer. This takes place in four weekly sessions, running mid-week or over a weekend. All of our training is online on MS Teams, meaning you can join from across the UK.
What is a listening session like?
Listening sessions are one-to-one and typically held over MS Teams, or a phone call. Your listening session or ‘shift’ will see you meet with two Wrens once a fortnight, for up to 50 minutes each. You will continue to support the same two Wrens during their time with us, helping build trust and continuity.
Our Commitment to you
As we invest in you by way of our high-quality training, we ask that you see our volunteering opportunity as a longer term commitment. We ask all volunteers to join the Wren Project for a minimum of one year.
Throughout your time with us, we ensure you as a volunteer feel supported. As well as ongoing training in active listening, you are encouraged to participate in online reflective practice sessions. This gives you a chance to talk openly about your experiences with a member of staff, and hear from other volunteers about their experiences. Reflective practice sessions help form part of your learning development journey here at Wren.
What we look for in Volunteers
Empathy
A desire to support someone during a difficult time in their lives. We look for kindness and empathy in all of our volunteers.
Supportive
In your listening sessions, you will quietly support your Wren as they share openly their experience of autoimmune disease.
Warm
We look for warmth, kindness and empathy in all of our volunteers. To join us, you will be looking for a rewarding role where you can really make a difference.
Caring
Our volunteers and Wrens, individuals we support, build a rapport over the course of their sessions together.
Trusting
A volunteer helps create a safe and trustworthy space for a Wren to talk openly about how they are feeling. You will be instrumental in creating this trusting relationship.
Honest
Our listening sessions are a space for Wrens to talk about how they are feeling. Our volunteers are there to support them on this journey.
News from the Wren Project
