Answering Calls

Volunteering for Nightline can be challenging but also hugely rewarding. Please remember that all our volunteers need to stay strictly anonymous so we ask that you don't tell anyone that you are planning to train with us.

We take on new volunteers once per semester, in October and February. Training is understandably extensive. You need to be free for the first training day on a Saturday and thereafter for 2 hours per week for 6 weeks on a day of your choice. These sessions run in the evening on week days or on a Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, due to the length of time taken to complete the program we are not able to offer training to students in their final semester.

You will be trained in many skills as a Nightliner and will get a lot of practise. You don't need any prior experience but you do need to be willing to learn about our central skills such as empathy, listening skills, and you must be fluent in English.

Most importantly it must be understood that Nightline is a non-advisory service. If you want to offer advice to people in need then you cannot do so with Nightline. We are a listening service and we train volunteers to guide callers through their own problems in a non-directory manner. This is a much harder skill and is much more effective than giving advice in helping callers.

We like to thank our loyal volunteers in a number of ways. We have our own internal award system and give out awards biannually. You can also say that you volunteer with Nightline on your CV and if you satisfy the commitments listed above during your time with Nightline our committee regularly supply references.

If you want to find out more information please email us at nightlinetraining@nottingham.ac.uk.