Quetzal provides free confidential counselling, providing essential support for women aged 16 and over living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

We offer free face-to-face, telephone and online counselling to women aged 16 and over. By volunteering with Quetzal, you will develop new skills, receive specialised trainings and provide short- and long-term interventions to women who might be accessing counselling for the first time.

We interview and train 3 times a year. Recruitment of placements does not take place outside of these times. Please check the dates to ensure you are able to attend the scheduled training before applying. 

Our next placement training session is scheduled for 9th November 2024. If you’d like to attend the session, please apply for our 2024 recruitment call at the earliest. Email your interest to our Clinical Lead at placements@quetzal.org.uk.

All applications received will be acknowledged and then you will be contacted closer to the time to arrange for an interview.

Female applicants only – This post is exempt under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 – We are a women-only group because we believe it is vital that women have safe and supportive spaces where they can come without fear of re-traumatisation to explore their experiences and begin to recover from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Opening up about trauma is a deeply personal and vulnerable experience and clients tell us they feel more at ease in a female-only space. Research shows that women-only services create a safe space, physically and emotionally and result in better outcomes for women. We recognise that men care about women too and that many men and boys experience sexual violence. We can signpost men affected by sexual violence to specialist services in Leicester that cater specifically for their needs.

What does volunteering look like?

• Face-to-face, Telephone & Online Counselling
• Flexible around you and your schedule
• Based at Quetzal premises on Talbot Lane or from home

What do you need?

• You have a Level 4 Diploma or equivalent in Counselling or Psychotherapy. 
• You are registered with the BACP. 
• Are able to travel to Leicester City Centre.
• Have experience in working with clients using the Integrative and or the Person Centred Model. 
• Have a good/working knowledge of the issues and complexities surrounding abuse. Including working with safeguarding issues, stigma and shame. 
• You have the ability to work empathetically with women service users aged 16 and over. 
• You are someone who is organised, dedicated, reliable, and communicates well in a professional setting. Confident using Microsoft Office and Zoom.

Benefits for you

• Experience working with women with compounded and complex trauma, and obtaining insight, skills and knowledge with the key issues affecting women dealing with the impacts of non-recent abuse.
• Robust development of counselling skills, and expertise in counselling women.
• You can become a paid associate with Quetzal after successful qualification and completion of your placement with Quetzal.

What you get from us

• Specialist in-house training in how to work with childhood sexual abuse  
• Free Trauma informed CPD training and workshops to further add to your skill set 
• Support, and experience with an organisation who are the forerunners in Leicestershire and Rutland of providing long-term counselling to women dealing with the impacts of non-recent abuse 
• Unlimited Refreshments 
• Travel expenses (not including mileage)
• The opportunity to work with and learn from experienced, passionate women counsellors. 
• On-going support and case management from the Clinical Lead 

Quetzal Application Form – Placement and Volunteer Counsellor download our application form and email it to placements@quetzal.org.uk 

If you can not attend the next scheduled training day please do not apply at this time