Volunteer moderators
SHaRON is a safe and anonymous environment where people can both receive support and help others who are in or have been through similar situations. SHaRON is delivered by Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (BHFT). The first Global Digital Exemplar Accredited Community and Mental NHS Trust. NHSX
SHaRON is available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection and available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year for its members. On SHaRON you will find BHFT staff and volunteers supporting members of the SHaRON community going through similar challenges to one another.
The personal characteristics we look for in our volunteers are:
- Friendly and empathic
- Clear understanding of confidentiality
- Good interpersonal skills
- Enthusiasm, reliable and punctual
- Able to work as part of a team
- Over 18 years of age
- Ability to use digital media (training is provided)
As a volunteer you can work flexible hours to suit you and you will be fully supported in this role. Volunteers receive the following training:
- Local induction from a friendly team
- Moderation training within SHaRON
- Ongoing supervision and support from the SHaRON team and service
- A volunteer contract
If you feel you have these characteristics and would like to get involved in volunteering with us to support members of SHaRON, please find details of how to become a BHFT volunteer here. If you would like to discuss volunteering with SHaRON in more detail, please contact the SHaRON team via the contact page.
Annually, SHaRON offers four Reading University students the opportunity to become SHaRON volunteer moderators. This can fulfil requirements for the 70 hour 2nd year placement.
It is paramount that our service users are provided with the best care possible and therefore we have time sensitive guidelines when offering volunteering. The placement opportunity for 2025/2026 is now open.
The information below indicates the student volunteer moderator process.
Reading University Psychology Students - SHaRON Work Placement Opportunity
|
1st July 2025 31st July 2025 |
Applications Open Applications Close |
To enquire about placement opportunities please supply a short statement, of no more than 50 words, about why you would like to become a volunteer moderator and your contact details by emailing sharon@berkshire.nhs.uk. We may, due to volume of applicants, close this opportunity early. |
| August 2025 | Informal Interviews |
Successful applicants will be invited for an informal interview via Teams on w/c 11th August. Following interview, if successful, applicants will be offered a BHFT honorary contract and will be expected to conclude all necessary safeguarding, My Job and Blackboard requirements alongside a DBS and reference check prior to September. |
| September / October 2025 | Training / Buddying Sessions | Group training commences in September, we expect all volunteers to be available to attend Teams training sessions during the working week between 9:00am - 5:00pm. Training sessions take approximately 30 mins - 1 hour. Your safety and support is paramount to us. Volunteers will also be supported with up to 6 buddying sessions, which will begin in September. All training and buddying sessions are included within the 70 hours placement log. |
| November 2025 - April 2026 | Moderation with Supervision | We anticipate a student volunteer will need to be online for 2.5 hours per week to establish good moderation for our service users. Moderation will take place with supervision sessions to ensure safety and support at all times. Supervision sessions are included within the 70 hours placement and can take place at any time from 9:00am - 5:00pm. |
| Applications |
On receipt of your email, the SHaRON HQ team will contact you. Applications close on 31st July 2025. Please note that any applications received after this date will not be considered. |
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| References | Following completion of the 70 hour placement, references are available upon request. There is also an opportunity to continue to moderate on the SHaRON platforms following the end of a placement. |
This opportunity was very special, and I am very glad with my decision to volunteer with SHaRON
Esra
