Joint Volunteer Training (Certified)
Complete 5 lessons + a short quiz (10 minutes). Pass mark: 80%. If you pass, you’ll unlock your Volunteer Trained badge (+50 XP) and download your certificate.
✅ This training is for safe listening + referral (not emergency response).
⚠ If someone is in immediate danger: call 112 or find a trusted adult immediately.
🔒 Keep privacy: log only the minimum necessary. No screenshots, no full names.
This training is jointly delivered by:
- SpeakOut Mental Health Outreach — campus/community education, safe listening, referrals.
- Synia Aid Foundation — education + poverty relief; support for vulnerable learners & families.
- AfriHud — humanitarian & development projects (youth/community development).
Lesson 1 — Safe Listening Basics (L-I-S-T-E-N)
Safe listening helps someone feel calm enough to choose safer next steps. You’re not “fixing” them — you’re creating safety, clarity, and connection.
The L-I-S-T-E-N method
- L — Listen: Full attention. Allow silence.
- I — Inquire: Open questions: “What has been hardest?”
- S — Summarize: “So school pressure + money worries are affecting sleep.”
- T — Thank: “Thank you for trusting me.”
- E — Empathize: “That sounds heavy.”
- N — Next step: One small step for today.
Lesson 2 — Red Flags & Immediate Danger
Most chats are not emergencies — but some require immediate escalation.
Immediate red flags
- Self-harm plan or intent
- Violence/abuse happening now
- Child/vulnerable person at risk
- Severe confusion/hallucinations commanding harm
What to do
- Stay present: “Your safety matters.”
- Call 112
- Escalate to safeguarding lead
- Log minimum facts + actions taken
Lesson 3 — Boundaries & Ethical Referral
Boundaries protect you and the person. Ethical referral means choices, consent, and dignity.
Scope
- Supportive listening + calming strategies
- Offer options: clinic, counsellor, trusted adult
Do not
- Diagnose/prescribe
- Promise outcomes
- Become a 24/7 hotline
Lesson 4 — Privacy-First Logging
Record only what is needed for safety + learning.
Log
- Date/time
- General concern
- Action taken
Do not log
- Full names/addresses
- Screenshots
- Judgments
Lesson 5 — Cultural Sensitivity & Volunteer Self-Care
Respect improves trust and outcomes. Your wellbeing matters too.
Cultural sensitivity
- Ask preferences: language/name
- Respect faith + offer additional options
- Avoid labels; use neutral language
Self-care
- Debrief with supervisor
- Set limits
- Escalate when overwhelmed
Volunteer Quiz (Unlocked after Lesson 5)
Time: 10 minutes • Pass mark: 80% • Attempts: 2 per month (0 / 2)
This info is saved to the sheet only if you pass.
Time left: 10:00