Volunteer with us

Our trained volunteers are essential to delivering Dublin Rape Crisis Centre services to survivors of sexual violence and providing much-needed support in other areas of our work.

Now recruiting: Holistic Therapies Programme Volunteers. Help create welcoming, supportive spaces for survivors through our new music therapy and yoga programme. Find out more below.

Your time could be the support someone needs. Will you make a difference?  

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is there for anyone affected by sexual violence, every step of the way. Our mission is to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape and other forms of sexual violence. Every year, DRCC receives more than 23,000 contacts on the 24-hour freephone National Helpline.    

To maintain this service, DRCC is seeking Volunteer Crisis Counsellors on the National Helpline This role involves providing crisis counselling over the phone on the 24/7 sexual violence counselling line and via DRCC's online webchat service to those affected by sexual violence. Crisis counsellors offer empathy, listening, affirmation, support and accurate information. This National Helpline is used by survivors, victims, their supporters and frontline professionals. 

Why volunteer with us?  

The decision to volunteer is very personal. By answering the phone on the National Helpline or accompanying people at a very difficult time in their lives, DRCC volunteers make a real difference. Creating a connection at these critical times can have a meaningful impact on a person’s journey. 

The volunteering programme at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre offers specialised, comprehensive training delivered by professionals that introduces volunteers to crisis counselling. This training and the work the volunteers undertake provides rich life experience and learnings. Volunteers commit to DRCC’s mission and work independently, with ongoing support via regular check-ins with staff and monthly peer support meetings with a vibrant team of volunteers. During their time with DRCC, volunteers develop invaluable support and active listening skills which contribute to creating a safe space for victims/survivors.  

Our volunteers provide invaluable support to victims and survivors of sexual violence, and we are profoundly grateful for their generosity and integrity.  

Testimonials  

Click to watch a volunteer testimony

Now recruiting: Holistic Therapies Programme Volunteers

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s new Holistic Therapies Programme is a three-year programme supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence through creative and wellbeing spaces, such as music therapy and yoga. Its aim is to support the wellbeing, creativity, movement, confidence and connection of the people who use our services. Sessions take place in friendly, welcoming and inclusive spaces where participants can engage at their own pace.

About the role
Holistic Therapies Programme Volunteers help create a positive and supportive experience for participants. Working alongside facilitators and staff, you will help sessions run smoothly, make sure participants feel welcomed and supported, and help with the practical and administrative side of the programme. This includes setting up rooms and materials, welcoming participants, supporting registration and attendance records, and uploading records and documents onto our systems. Read the full role description here.

Time commitment

• Up to 4 hours per week (up to 4–5 shifts per month). Some flexibility may be needed depending on programme schedules
• Sessions take place at various locations across Dublin
• Attendance at mandatory training in January 2027 and at monthly Peer Support meetings
• Programme delivery begins in February 2027

Who we’re looking for
Essential:

• A minimum age of 24 and fluent English
• Ability to keep strict confidentiality about all aspects of the work and adhere to all GDPR requirements
• Living within commuting distance of central Dublin
• Commitment to a minimum of one year’s service
• Good organisational and administrative skills, and basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office
• Active listening skills and the ability to work within a participant-centred approach
• Reliable, organised and able to work independently, with strong interpersonal and communication skills

Desirable:

• Previous administration, reception or customer service experience
• Previous volunteering experience with vulnerable adults
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing, therapeutic services, community development or supporting survivors

What we offer

• Full initial and ongoing training
• Ongoing support, including monthly Peer Support meetings, check-in calls and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered where agreed in advance
• A Statement of Fact on completion of your period of service (please note we do not provide references)

How to apply
Apply by filling out this form.

General Volunteer requirements 

Time commitment: 

• 4 shifts per month 
• Attending a monthly peer support meeting (Monday lunchtime and evening time available) 
• In-person attendance at all training dates (see below). 

Other requirements:  

DRCC volunteers must: 

• Be a minimum of 24 years of age and have fluent English 
• Have access to a reliable and secure private internet/broadband service and a secure private space to take confidential calls 
• Be able to keep strict confidentiality about all aspects of the work and adhere to all GDPR requirements
• Live within commuting distance of central Dublin (see map for boundaries)
• Commit to a minimum of one year's service to the DRCC volunteer programme.  

Interested in volunteering?

The applications for the 2026 Autumn Volunteer Training is closed. Please complete our online form below to stay informed about future opportunities to volunteer with us.

Further information

DRCC Volunteer Services Department, in conjunction with relevant personnel, manages the recruitment, training, assessment and peer support of volunteers. Please visit our FAQ page for more information on the role. If you have other questions or would be interested in different types of volunteering with DRCC, please email us at volunteerinfo@rcc.ie  

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