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.

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

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?

Before you submit your interest, please review the questions below:  

1. Can you commit to 4 shifts and attend a peer support meeting every month?  
2. Do you live within commuting distance of Dublin City Centre?  
3. Are you available for all the training dates listed below?   

Training dates 2026

Volunteers must attend all training dates in person, commencing on 12 September 2026 for three weekends, 10am to 4.30pm:

• 12^th & 13^th September
• 19^th & 20^th September
• 26^th & 27^th September

If you have some questions about the role and the next steps, please join us for an optional online information evening on either 17 or 20 August at 7.00pm - please complete our  information evening registration form. 

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 volunteerservices@rcc.ie.  

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