Arthritis Ireland – National Helpline Volunteer

We are currently seeking volunteers, to become part of the wonderful group of people who make up our helpline team.  Phone line experience is not required and all training will be provided.  If you have 3 hours a week to give to callers to our helpline, based in the Arthritis Ireland offices in Grand Canal Quay, please contact – Roisin Whelan, Services Support Officer - rwhelan@arthritisireland.ie or call 01 647 0202. 

Role - The role of the helpline volunteer is to provide information tailored to the needs of each enquirer, in an empathetic and empowering way, and to provide emotional support to callers to the helpline.  Good listening skills are used to help identify exactly what the enquirer's needs are and to provide the appropriate support required during a call, but counselling is not provided.

A typical call will include elements of straightforward information-giving (like the telephone number of Citizens Information Board), listening and empathising with the caller’s ‘story’, and perhaps working with the caller to think through some of the options open to them.

The helpline service tries to empower people by providing good quality information and appropriate support to enable that person to exercise choice and make decisions about how they choose to live their own life.

Contact – Roisin Whelan, Services Support Officer

Email - rwhelan@arthritisireland.ie

Telephone – 01 647 0202