Become a Text & Chat Helpline Volunteer: Support Missing People from Home

Help Missing People provide vital support through digital channels – and make a difference from home.

Every year, thousands of people across the UK experience the trauma and uncertainty of disappearance – whether they are missing themselves or have a missing loved one. Missing People’s award-winning helpline is there in those moments: providing vital support and working to ensure no one has to face this crisis alone. With new funding, we’re expanding our digital services — offering support not only through online chat and text, but also via WhatsApp.

To make this possible, we’re recruiting Text and Chat Volunteers who can provide compassionate, safe, and reliable support remotely. By joining us, you’ll help more children, young people, and adults at risk – while volunteering in a flexible way that fits around your life.

💬 What you’ll be doing
Using Missing People’s secure digital platforms (chat, text, and WhatsApp) you’ll provide sensitive, empathetic support to those who reach out.
- Communicate compassionately with children, young people, and adults in crisis.
- Explore and understand their situations, helping them access the right support.
- Hear from young people running away, missing adults, and people who feel stuck and need guidance.
- Support people who are worried about a missing person – such as family members. Provide them with advice to how to report someone missing and what to expect.
- With the guidance of an experienced staff supervisor, help individuals reconnect safely with families and support networks.
- Be a calm, reassuring presence – often at a critical moment in someone’s life.



👍 What you’ll gain
Volunteering with Missing People is a chance to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact.
Comprehensive training: A 6‑week online programme with 2 hours of self‑paced learning and a 2‑hour live session each week with fellow volunteers and helpline staff, followed by a shadowing and induction period.

Training times: You will need to attend either six Wednesday evening sessions or six Saturday morning sessions. Please ensure you can commit to the relevant dates before applying, as completing these sessions is essential for progressing through the training.
- Wednesday sessions (6pm–8pm): 2nd Sep, 9th Sep, 16th Sep, 23rd Sep, 30th Sep, 7th Oct
- Saturday sessions (10.30am–12:30pm): 5th Sep, 12th Sep, 19th Sep, 26th Sep, 2nd Oct, 10th Oct

Ongoing support: Guidance from our Helpline Coordinators and Supervisors, plus regular supervision and peer support.
Community: Become part of a passionate team of volunteers and staff, united by the goal of bringing missing people back to safety.
Recognition: After 6 months of service, you’ll be eligible for a formal reference to support your future opportunities.

Experience required

🌟 Qualities and skills we’re looking for
No prior experience is required – we’ll provide full training. We are looking for someone who is:
- A strong communicator (via text and chat) who is empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental.
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable people.
- Confident using computers, digital platforms such as Microsoft Office, email, and instant messaging (you’ll need your own PC or laptop and Wi-Fi capable of running our systems).
- Able to volunteer from a quiet, private space at home
- Willing to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide references.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability

Frequency & commitment

🕒 Availability
Shifts will be 7 days a week, afternoons (2.30pm-6pm) and evenings (6pm-10pm) – we ask for a commitment of 1 shift per week
There will also be a monthly group supervision call you will be expected to attend.
Minimum commitment: 6 months+.

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