Volunteer at Switchboard

Switchboard aims to provide peer-driven support services for LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual) people, their families, allies and communities. 

Our volunteers are peers; therefore all volunteers must be LGBTIQA+ or questioning. You must be over 18 to volunteer with Switchboard Victoria.

Please read information below about volunteering with our different programs.

Information you provide to us will be kept strictly confidential; only Switchboard staff will have access to these details.

We welcome, value and support applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people who are trans and/or gender diverse, intersex, asexual, living with disability, who work in the sex industry, younger, older, live regionally or rurally, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour or People of Faith.

LGBTIQA+ peer support (QLife teleweb service)

  • Switchboard is the Victorian partner of QLife, a national organisation that provides peer-based telephone and web support services. 

    We aim to be intersectional, feminist and anti-oppressive (strengths based) in our work, to meet people where they are at. We aim to listen, to connect and understand and offer information and referral, if appropriate.

  • QLife peer supporters are trained volunteers who identify as being part of LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual +) communities. QLife volunteers must also be at least 21 years old.

    Confidentiality and anonymity are an important part of QLife. As a result, volunteering occurs in person in Naarm/Melbourne at a confidential location.  

    The work we do is hard, many of the people we talk to have experienced stigma, sexuality and gender-based discrimination, family and intimate partner violence, complex mental health issues, ageism, discrimination due to disability, structural violence, racism, sexism and experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

  • Prior to working on QLife, volunteers are required to complete a training course.

    Training is delivered in-person and online, comprising 11 sessions over 10 weeks and involves some additional learning (reading and webinars) outside of training hours. 

    QLife generally runs two training programs a year in approximately March and August.   

    The training program has a fee attached ($275 concession and $550 full fee). Options are available if cost is a barrier.

  • While we can provide you with training and a framework to do the work, you need to be a resilient, emotionally intelligent and mature person. We ask you to reflect on if you have the time and capacity to take on this important and vital work as a peer supporter on QLife. We also ask you to reflect on if you are ready to: have conversations that include difficult topics, move into a space of peer work and personal sharing, and engage in ongoing reflective practice with us.   

    Do you have the time and capacity to take on this important and vital work as a peer supporter on QLife?

    Read our QLife volunteer peer supporter position description.

    • Wait to be contacted via email with advance notice for the information sessions. 

    • After attending an information session, you will be provided with details on an application and group interview process. 

    If you have questions about this process, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Fiona W. at fiona.w@switchboard.org.au

  • Given the training required for this role we can only consider helpline placements on QLife for people who have been volunteering with us for 6 months (inclusive of the training course).

    We have a project-based placement option (no direct practice) available annually, to express interest in this please fill in the EOI form and note your interest in a project-based placement. 

    If you have questions about this volunteering opportunity, please get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator Fiona W. at fiona.w@switchboard.org.au 

Out and About Aged Care Visitation Scheme

  • Out and About facilitates friendship between LGBTI+ seniors and peer volunteer visitors. Our experienced staff match participants and volunteers based on shared interests and hobbies, and support both people to stay engaged and connected over time.

    The program coordinates regular fortnightly catch ups for mutually enjoyable activities or hobbies, such as chatting over the phone, having coffee or tea at home or in a cafe, going for walks, seeing films, attending LGBTI+ community events and much more.

  • As a volunteer with Out and About you will:

    • Be matched with a program participant by one of our experienced staff

    • Visit your new friend regularly and stay in touch

    Visits could be at their home, a café, you could attend events together or see a movie - it's up to the two of you!

    We have participants all over Victoria so don't let where you live stop you from getting in touch.

  • Are you a member of the LGBTIQA+ community living in Victoria who wants to make a difference in the lives of older people at risk of social isolation?

    • Looking to make new friends?

    • Enjoy a chat and a cuppa with members of your community?

    • Craving connection and purpose or have skills to share?

    We would love to hear from you!

  • Our participants have all had unique and interesting lives and experiences, they have and abundance of stories, knowledge and friendship to share. As LGBTIQA+ folks we know how important finding and connecting with our community is and how much of a difference it can make to have someone who understands you.

    You could be that person for one of our amazing participants, and they could be that for you!

  • We've made it super simple, there's only 2 steps!

Events and general volunteering

  • We will reach out as events come up and you can let us know if you are available to help out.

    • Events Switchboard or their programs run/attend, including during Midsumma, regional events and stalls

    • Rainbow Families events such as informational sessions or fun family events

    • Do you want to support Switchboard and its programs through volunteering but don't have the ability to commit weekly or fortnightly?

    • Are you interested in representing Switchboard at different events around Victoria?

    • Or, do you have a specific skill or interest that might be helpful to Switchboard outside of our specific programs?

  • If you want to support Switchboard and your LGBTIQA+ community but would prefer the flexibility of volunteering in one-off sessions, we would love for you to express your interest!

  • Please email admin@switchboard.org.au with your name, contact details and why you are interested in volunteering at Switchboard.

    Please also reach out if you have another way you believe you can volunteer to help Switchboard that we have not mentioned.

Other volunteering opportunities

  • For information about volunteering opportunities with Switchboard’s Rainbow Families program, please contact hannah.b@switchboard.org.au