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Volunteer vacancies

At ARA volunteers play an important role in meeting the needs of a wide range of people with alcohol, drug and gambling dependencies.  We offer a variety of volunteer work opportunities at our offices in Bristol and North Somerset.  We are often looking for committed enthusiastic people who share ARA’s approach and values.

ARA values our volunteers and offers them a structured induction to the organisation with regular supervision.  For volunteer counsellors group clinical supervision is provided fortnightly.  Volunteers are also invited to organisation events including the staff conference and Christmas meal.

If you are interested in volunteering with ARA please complete an application form and return it to, info@addictionrecovery.org.uk.  Or by post to ARA, Kings Court, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4EF.  If you have any problems downloading information or any questions about working for us, please call 0117 930 0282.

Volunteers are interviewed prior to appointment to ensure the placement is suitable and the prospective volunteer is fully informed.  Volunteer positions are for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteer Counsellor

Opportunities are open to those in their final year of the Counselling Diploma /Degree or who have a Counselling Diploma/Degree and wish to increase their experience.  Volunteer Counsellors see on average 4 clients a week and will agree a regular time to volunteer.  Activities undertaken by Volunteer Counsellors can include brief interventions, one-to-one counselling, group facilitating and telephone or online counselling.  Clients can include those affected by alcohol, drug or gambling addiction. 


Volunteer Administrator/Receptionist

Opportunities are open to those with some administration or reception experience, or particular importance is a good telephone manner and computer literacy.  Volunteer administrators work alongside the admin team to provide information and a warm welcome to visitors and those engaged in ARA services.  The role also involves data collection, secretarial duties and general office administration such as photocopying, sorting post and stationery supplies.


Other Roles

ARA supports clients through Education, Training and Employment.  We welcome enquiries from people who have skills they are willing to share with clients.  This could include art  therapy, alternative therapy or information session.

"When chosing a placement for the completion of my Diploma I decided to work for ARA. The more I connected with the work the more passionate I became about helping people with their struggle. Five years on I am now working full time for ARA in a role I really enjoy"

A number of ARA volunteers have gone on to find employment in the substance misuse field, many of them joining the ARA staff team.