Meet our New Zealand Shout Volunteers

Our trained Shout Volunteers are there for moments when children, young people and adults are struggling to cope and need support.

They are an empathetic bunch of people, who are trained to actively listen and work to take people in distress to a calmer, safer place with a plan of action to move forwards.

Our New Zealand volunteers come online during the NZ daytime to help us support UK texters throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning, when other support services are not available to them.

Meet some of our amazing New Zealand volunteers here.

Find out more about becoming a Shout Volunteer

Jamie

What are the benefits of being a Shout Volunteer?

I’m able to be a global citizen and I've learned a lot about the UK mental health system and different cultures through chatting with other volunteers from different backgrounds.

How has the training helped you in your everyday life?

The training exceeded my expectations. I've learned loads about how to communicate with someone going through a stressful period, being able to directly guide people from a heated emotion to a calmer state of mind. I use the training every day - when a friend or colleague is stressed, when I'm stressed or when a client is going through a crisis.

Do you feel like you’re making a difference?

It's awful for someone to feel isolated, in distress, out of control - but it's worse when they feel this on their own. So as long as I'm able to help someone feel like they're being listened to and help guide them through their crisis, then I couldn't think of a better way to spend my free time.

Karen

How does being a Shout Volunteer work for you?

With Shout’s detailed and comprehensive training programme, my volunteering role is easy to understand and highly flexible.

The time difference works well for me too, since it’s daytime here when it’s the busiest time of night for people texting Shout in the UK. It’s 2am on the other side of the globe and someone is having a tough time, and it instantly reminds me how blessed I am to be able to help.

What support do you get?

We get extensive support from our lovely community of volunteers and supervisors, which means I am not short of confidence and compassion every time I hop on the platform.

What difference has the role made to you personally?

There’s no other experience like helping others. The role has taught me to be humbler, kinder, more compassionate and helped me grow into a better version of myself.

Verity

Why did you become a Shout Volunteer?

Newly returned to New Zealand after 16 years abroad, I was looking for a way to learn new skills and meaningfully contribute while settling back into life in New Zealand. I'm an ICF coach, mainly supporting people through major life transitions, but I had a deep desire to also support people in their toughest, darkest moments.

How does the role work for you?

I love how easy it is to fit volunteering around my always changing weekly activities. I can choose times that suit me, booking shifts via a phone app and having them pop into my calendar.

How has volunteering for Shout helped you with your career?

I've decided to continue studies in the mental health field and I know that Shout will continue to be a huge support in my ongoing learning and growth. I can see Shout being a part of my professional development and excellence for many years to come!

Yolandi

Why did you become a Shout Volunteer?

It has always been my passion to give back to the community and help others in need, especially in the mental health field. Shout provides an excellent platform with ample resources to support others. Being a New Zealand Shout volunteer gives me a great sense of accomplishment and personal fulfilment.

How has volunteering for Shout supported you professionally?

Volunteering for Shout has given me the opportunity to apply my knowledge, which I acquired through my studies in Psychology. The training provided allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Apply to volunteer