Community volunteers are trained to work as part of a team to assist victims of crime or tragedy by providing emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals. Support can be on-site or by phone. Referrals are from police and community agencies.

 As a crisis responder you may be asked to assist the OPP or other first responders to help victims and/or families. 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network provides bereavement support at no cost to families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy at any stage, or the death of their baby, up to 12 months of age. We currently have volunteer opportunities for people who are approximately two years past their bereavement date and are looking for meaningful ways to offer their support to others. We are actively training peer supporters for private mixed loss group peer led support, loss specific online peer-led group support, and one-to-one telephone support.

Kids Help Phone’s texting service is the only free, 24/7 bilingual text line for people in Canada. The service is delivered by trained, volunteer crisis responders who work remotely. 

We are recruiting overnight and or bilingual crisis responders who will answer texts from young people looking for support in both English AND French.

The volunteer position will be remote, meaning that you can participate from anywhere in Canada as long you have a strong, reliable internet connection!  

Our volunteers need to be enthusiastic about helping people!

You can be a professional, student, teacher, retiree, or anybody else with a willingness to learn how to support people over text.  

The role of a crisis responder is to bring texters from a “hot” moment to a cool calm one, and to help them come up with a plan to stay healthy and safe.

Crisis responders are trained to do this using active listening and collaborative problem-solving.

• Empathetic listeners who are able to provide inclusive, non-judgmental support to callers representing a variety of ages, identities, and concerns
• Call centre operates 24/7, and we actively recruit both day and night shifts. 
• Day shifts are 4 hours

• Help to facilitate 8 week, Grief Support Groups (2.5 hours/week)
• Provide a listening ear and a safe space for individuals to work through their grief.
• Maintain close contact with the Bereavement Services Coordinator

• Attending activities, programs, and/or events with residents
• One-on-one visits with residents; spending time chatting, playing card games, doing puzzles, crafts
• Accompanying them on walks either within the building or outdoors (weather permitting)
• Miscellaneous duties as needed

Provide emotional support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to death or palliative diagnosis.  
1:1 and group support available.

The Help is Here Campaign is a community-driven initiative to raise ongoing awareness, support, and sustainable funding for VSSC. With growing demand for services, the campaign seeks to strengthen crisis response, enhance volunteer training, and build lasting partnerships. Our goal is to establish a sustainable, volunteer-led campaign to support victims across Simcoe. 

Position Overview: Community Circle Member

Community Circle Members play a vital role in advancing the Help is Here Campaign by engaging their local communities and networks. Working under the guidance of the Community Circle Chair, members help raise awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising efforts to ensure every victim in Simcoe County has access to immediate and compassionate support.

We are looking to fill 2 (maximum) positions in communities across Simcoe County to ensure geographical reach. Individuals need to be located in or able to travel to; Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Barrie, Alliston, Innisfil, Bradford, and Midland/Penetanguishene.

Responsibilities

●  Assist in the targeted identification of local fundraising opportunities where VSSC can be the ‘charity of choice’ (third-party) and corporate donors/sponsors aligned with the mission and values of VSSC.

●  Communicate and secure identified fundraising focusing on third-party and corporate donor/sponsor opportunities in support of VSSC.

●  Identify, secure and represent the Help is Here campaign using provided materials at local third-party events, outreach activities, and public functions independently or alongside VSSC staff.

●  Participate in recognition and gratitude of local third-party and corporate supporters.

●  Attend periodic Community Circle team meetings to report on activity, including successes and challenges.

●  Provide input and feedback to the Community Circle Chair on community needs and opportunities.

●  Promote VSSC’s mission and the Help is Here Campaign within local networks and online using consistent messaging as an organization Ambassador.

Volunteers would be required to provide support to individuals on a helpline or chat service who have experienced sexual trauma, violence and or assault. A 30 hour training course and interview is to be completed before starting on the helpline and chat service.