Sandy A’s story

By volunteering with Forward's online chat service, Sandy is using her spare time to help others.

I started volunteering with The Forward Trust’s online live chat service Reach Out because I like helping people in both my personal and professional life, and I have some spare time I like to put to good use.

Reach Out is a channel people can come to for non-judgemental, confidential support. As a volunteer I am required to listen with empathy and impartiality on a range of topics. We signpost callers to various services including mental health, addiction, domestic abuse, employment, and housing, to name a few.

I really enjoy volunteering for Reach Out. The training I received was great, with lots of e-learning on useful topics such as safeguarding, which helped me feel prepared. The types of calls we receive are diverse and callers are receptive to our advice. If a caller leaves the chat suddenly it can be frustrating. You find yourself questioning: did I help them? Will they follow up services you offer them? But overall it is extremely rewarding and I would definitely recommend it. It has helped me develop as a person and even with some of my own challenges.