Every day, in so many ways, our volunteers give their time and effort to make an incredible difference for women in York. Without you, we couldn't be here when we're needed most.

Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Volunteering is a two-way street: our volunteers tell us that they benefit in so many ways too. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your employment and social skills. 

You can choose from a range of volunteering opportunities, each requiring different qualities and skills and to suit the time that you have to give. Our opportunities are listed below, however, you may have a unique skill that may be of use to us. If so, please email enquiries@yorkwomenscounselling.org

However you choose to get involved, we hope that you will find your time with us rewarding and fulfilling and we guarantee a warm welcome from our team here at YWCS.

Volunteer as a counsellor

Thank you for thinking about volunteering at York Women’s Counselling Service – without the regular commitment and expertise of our volunteer counsellors none of our work would be possible.

We hope that you will find your time with us rewarding and fulfilling, and are confident that your role with us will enable you to both develop your skills as a counsellor whilst also making an enormous difference to the lives of the women you support. 

We want you to get what you’re looking for from working with us. We recognise that volunteering must benefit the individual as well as the charity and we aim to provide an environment that is inclusive, stimulating, friendly and supportive.

In return for a minimum of 2 clients per week, we will offer the chance to be part of our incredible team of women with a full induction. Quarterly team meetings, a contribution towards Supervision costs and access to at least 4 free CPD workshops per year is the minimum you can expect in return for your time and expertise.

Email: Emma@yorkwomenscounselling.org for a role description* and details of how to apply.

* This post is open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1)

Student placements

Student placement applications for the academic year 2023/24 have now closed.

Further opportunities may become available later in the year and will be announced on this page and social media.

Help as a fundraising volunteer

You can join our friendly team to help secure our future. Whether that’s using your expertise to help with funding bids, or helping us to put on a couple of events each year, your support will be very welcome. Our staff team is very small, and focuses on delivering our service first and foremost. Charlotte, our Operations Manager, would love to hear from you, and is on hand to give our volunteers the support they need to get things done.  Email: emily@yorkwomenscounselling.org

Volunteer in the YWCS office

If you’re a digital native, IT literate, or stickler with figures, you can make a difference. Based in York CVS in Priory Street, there are routine jobs that need to be completed each month and an extra pair of hands would be very welcome. Email: enquiries@yorkwomenscounselling.org

Become a Friend of YWCS

Sign up to be a Friend of YWCS if you simply want to hear more. You’ll receive news of upcoming developments in our service and events too. We’d love it if you could help us spread the word about YWCS with your networks, and occasionally we might ask you to find some time on an adhoc basis to bake a cake or help at an event. If you haven’t got time then you could consider setting up a regular gift – £5, £10 or £20 monthly or annually to suit you. Your committed support will make a big difference to our planning.  For more information about becoming a Friend of YWCS email: enquiries@yorkwomenscounselling.org