Volunteer Opportunity

Abortion Talk Talkline Volunteer

Location: Virtual / Remote

Usual commitment: One or two 3-hour shifts per month  

About Abortion Talk’s Talkline

Abortion Talk is a small charity with a mission to destigmatise abortion, one conversation at a time. 

Our pro-choice, pro-voice Talkline launched in 2021 and is open four evenings a week between 7pm and 10pm. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers a safe, confidential space for people to share their experiences, ask questions, or find information about abortion care and related support services.

The Talkline is for anyone affected by abortion - those who’ve had one, are considering one, have supported someone else or work in abortion care.

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll be a part of a growing network of people working to end abortion stigma through compassion and conversation. You’ll build your confidence in active listening and learn how to support people with respect and empathy. You’ll also gain insight into how abortion care works in the UK, how to access services and how to navigate challenging or emotional conversations with sensitivity. 

Most importantly you’ll be helping to make sure no one feels alone when talking about their abortion. 

In spring of 2025 we introduced our webchat alongside our telephone line, for people who would like support but are unable or don’t want to communicate by phone. Volunteers will have the option to provide support via the phone, webchat or both. 

What being a Talkline Volunteer involves

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• Offering support and information in a non-judgemental, non-directive and destigmatising way to people who have abortion experiences, over the phone or via webchat.

• Developing an awareness of abortion care pathways that a caller may have experienced or may be seeking. This includes developing knowledge of how abortion services are delivered and accessed.

• Using our Talkline manual and website to signpost to services that can support people with their individual needs. 

• Recording anonymised, general information about calls on our call log database.

• Attending supervision meetings and Talkline Volunteer training/meetings (online virtual meetings) when needed. 

• Keeping up to date with Abortion Talk news and our work. We have a volunteer WhatsApp group where we share news and updates and support each other.

We’re looking for people who:

• Share our commitment to pro-choice, inclusive approaches to abortion

• Can listen with compassion, and without judgement

• Confident using an internet connected computer, including email, google drive, telephone call and/or webchat apps and scheduling apps such as Doodle. 

• Willingness to follow our training, guidance, manuals, and policies.

• The ability to keep personal and confidential data safe.

• Can commit to one or two shifts a month.

• Can offer a quiet, confidential space to take calls or chats.

Previous experience on a helpline or in abortion-related work is welcome but not essential as we’ll give you all the training you need. We particularly encourage applications from volunteers across the UK and from men, as a small but growing number of callers are men seeking support.

Training & Time Commitment 
 

We’re passionate about training our volunteers in essential skills that enable them to handle challenging calls with ease. Due to the nature of this opportunity, we’re looking for people who can commit to all 3 days of the mandatory Talkline training. 

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Training will be three half-day sessions (9.30am – 2pm) on consecutive Saturdays and will take place over Zoom. You will need to be available on each of the following dates:

• 10th January 2026

• 17th January 2026

• 24th January 2026

If you don’t already have Safeguarding training - don’t worry, we will provide this too. 

Once trained you will have access to your Welcome Pack, Talkline Manual and our diverse community of volunteers.

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We also invite all volunteers to attend at least one “Talkshop” each year as part of their commitment, which is a friendly online space to debrief, share experiences, and learn together.

How to Apply

Please send the following documents to talkline@abortiontalk.com or via Charity Jobs: 

• A 2 page (maximum) cover letter explaining why you’d like to volunteer and why you think you’d be good for the opportunity.

• If easier, you can send a 4 minute max video explaining why you’d like to get involved with us. Please include your name, location, and phone number.

• You may send an optional CV if you like!

We won’t ask for references until you have successfully completed the training. Not every candidate will make it through each stage of recruitment into our program. 

Deadline: 9am 5th December 2025