SADAG Volunteer Counsellors
How to become a Volunteer Counsellor
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What we look for in Volunteers:
- Volunteers should be 21 years old or older
- Volunteers should be situated in Johannesburg or willing to travel to Rivonia on a regular basis
- Be committed to being a SADAG volunteer as a telephonic counsellor for at least 6 months
- It is beneficial to have a background in psychology or some experience in mental health
- Once training has been completed, volunteers are required to commit to at least one 4-hour counselling call center shift per week, during the 8am-12pm; 12pm-4pm or 4pm-8pm time slots available 7 days a week.
The application process:
Applications are closed for 2021 - Applications for the 2022 intake will begin in December 2021
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- After the application has been processed, applicants will be called for a telephonic interview.
- Suitable applicants will be invited for a face-to-face interview in the Call Center in Rivonia.
- Successful applicants will be invited to start the Training Program.
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Click here to fill in the application form |
What the Counsellor Volunteer Training Involves:
- Volunteers have to complete a 12 part training program which entails 8 online e-learning sessions and 4 on-site practical training shifts.
- Following the 12 training sessions, a final assessment will be completed.
- Volunteers are required to attend monthly Counsellor Meetings which are held on the last Saturday of every month, between 9am and 11am. (Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these meetings are hosted via Zoom)
Ongoing support once you have become a Volunteer Counsellor |
- Mentorship programs run by senior SADAG counsellors
- Free debriefing after difficult or emotionally taxing calls
- Supervision and support during shifts
- Online Support Group for counsellors
- Regular emails with interesting local and international articles, webinars and new info related to mental health
Other Volunteer options |
- Support Groups - click here
Volunteering at SADAG
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If you have any further queries, please contact Senzi on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 011 234 4837
"SADAG is a wonderful organization with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The experience that I have had has been rich and extremely diverse"
Mandy-Leigh, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"Volunteering at SADAG is an amazing way of giving back to society and being part of mental health education and resourcing, which are both much needed in South Africa"
Wesley, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"Volunteering at SADAG is inspiring and has helped me gain so much confidence within myself"
Sisi Nkabinde, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"SADAG is like one big family - there is appreciation and love, and there is always someone supporting you. You are not alone. We are together in this fight to help people with mental health problems"
Lidia, SADAG Counsellor since 2013
"You work with the most amazing talented and selfless people. It is amazing how greatness unfolds when we all work together"
Ilhaam, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"SADAG is a good place to volunteer, because they offer an abundance of support to help you become comfortable in your position and continually grow as a volunteer counselor. The SADAG team is like a family, always ready to support and guide one another"
Estelle, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"’I enjoy being in the company of an exceptionally pleasant people, and of course, it is super special to be able to assist the callers"
Beverley, SADAG Counsellor since 2017
"My favorite thing about volunteering at SADAG is that I feel humbled to help not just the local community, but the country as a whole. I also get a lot of satisfaction knowing I have assisted someone to get through some very trying and difficult times"
Rod, SADAG Counsellor since 2019
"Since I started volunteering at SADAG, I have become a better person with not only myself, my family and my friends, but to the broader community as well"
Philip, SADAG Counsellor since 2019
"Volunteering at SADAG has increased my practical skills and being part of a valuable team, gives a sense of belonging and connection to others"
Fatima, SADAG Counsellor since 2019
"My favorite thing about volunteering at SADAG is the feeling that comes with hearing someone say Thank You for helping them and that they are feeling better"
Thabo, SADAG Counsellor since 2017
"I love the fact that I get to connect with people from all over the country, experiencing different cultures, traditions and even new ways of thinking"
Katlego, SADAG Counsellor since 2018
"The organization is very supportive and helpful towards their callers and their counsellors, a place where counsellors get looked after"
Mandy-Leigh, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"I love working with SADAG"
Sisi, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"My favorite thing of volunteering is the way that I feel when I get into bed - Dead tired, but with the satisfaction that I feel because I made a difference in someone's life and that I have given them hope. I have lit a light in the dark room where they had found themselves locked in, and I have given them a key to get out of that dark place"
Lidia, SADAG Senior Counsellor since 2013
"I have learnt how important it is to live life with compassion for others. I have come to realize that a little bit of listening, unconditional acceptance and support goes a long way for people in serious distress"
Estelle, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
"The staff is amazing – Incredibly friendly"
Thabo, SADAG Counsellor since 2017
"My favorite thing about volunteering at SADAG is that I have the opportunity to help people who don't know where to go, what they are feeling or where to begin their healing process"
Estelle, SADAG Counsellor since 2020
