SAFEHOUSE BUDDY PROGRAMME

Support youth mental health as a SAFEHOUSE Online Befriender volunteer

SAFEHOUSE is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference for youths by being a steady, supportive presence in an online community. If you have a heart for youth mental health and believe that small acts of care can create big impact, this might be your calling. 

Join Us

We’re looking for someone...  

At least 23 years old 

1

Comfortable chatting with youths aged 13-25 in English over text 

2

With personal interest in youth mental health and building a safe community for youth 

3

Committed, responsible, warm, and non-judgmental 

4

The role you play as a SAFEHOUSE Buddy 

  • Provide emotional support and hold space over text for youths 

  • Share relevant resources during times of distress 

  • Encourage community building through casual conversations 

  • Support the team in upholding community safety 

  • Participate in and/or host online game and movie nights 

The commitment we’re looking for 

Minimum of one 2.5-hour volunteer shift a week online/remotely at night 

Monthly group supervision sessions for training and development 

Ready to commit and actively serve for at least a year 

Your growth and learning opportunities 

Impact youths meaningfully on their mental health recovery journey 

1

Develop transferable skills in communication and emotional support 

2

Gain exposure to the current youth mental health landscape 

3

In-depth training & guidance provided by Limitless mental health professionals 

4

JOIN US

Testimonials

  • Frederica Bimmel, Current SAFEHOUSE Buddy (1.5 years)

    Being a SAFEHOUSE buddy allows me to keep the promise I made to my teenage self - that I would do my part in providing a listening ear, and a safe space to those that need one. Even a small difference like seeing an emoji/ tone change over the course of a conversation, keeps me going knowing I’ve helped made their day better, even if it’s just for a while. You’d never know what someone else is going through, so if you can do a little something to add joy and care, it’s always worth the time and effort!

  • Thriftosaurus, Current SAFEHOUSE Buddy (1.5 years)

    What I like particularly is the flexibility that SAFEHOUSE offers volunteers to support youths more conveniently and consistently in an online community.

    Growing up through difficult seasons, I often wished I had someone who would simply walk alongside me. That’s why I became a SAFEHOUSE Buddy, to be the person I once needed. Someone who shows up, offers hope that things can be different, reminds young people that they matter beyond what they achieve, and that they don’t have to face life alone.

  • Skimmy, Current SAFEHOUSE Buddy (1.5 years)

    I chose to be a SAFEHOUSE buddy because fundamentally, it's difficult to not show up for someone who needs emotional support, especially if I have the power to be there for them, especially when it's needed the most. Because I know what it's like to be on the other end of it. But beyond being a listening ear, I have gained so much out of this journey through exchanging stories and perspectives with the youths, who stayed with me through what I had to say and gave me advice that helped me too.

  • Gigglygiraffes, Current SAFEHOUSE Buddy (1.5 years)

    Being a SAFEHOUSE buddy has been both tough but rewarding at the same time. We get to connect with youths beyond just the issues they face and get to know them as people through a diverse range of conversations. It has been a meaningful time connecting and chatting w the youths!

  • Nathano, Past SAFEHOUSE Buddy (5 years)

    My years as a SAFEHOUSE Buddy has helped me grow more confident in supporting my friends who need a listening ear! It makes anonymous online support less scary and it’s nice to have been part of a supportive community where youths share their struggles and find connection!

  • Deli, Current SAFEHOUSE Buddy (2.5 years)

    Being a buddy has allowed me to talk to youths from all walks of life with varied experiences and worldviews. One of the greatest joys is seeing how everyone has grown through our journey together. It is the tireless support from the SAFEHOUSE community (Limitless staff, buddies, and the users themselves!) that keeps me committed to volunteering.

FAQ’S

    1. An online mental health community for youths aged 13-25 created by Limitless, a youth mental health organisation.  

    2. Discord is a chat application used for hanging out with communities and friends. SAFEHOUSE was built on Discord to provide anonymous, accessible mental health support to youth. 

    Click here to find out more about SAFEHOUSE. 

  • As an Online Befriender on SAFEHOUSE, your role is to provide basic emotional support to anonymous youths in distress. Buddies also become part of the SAFEHOUSE community, so your role is also to engage in casual conversations with the youths, as well as participate in games and other community activities. Buddies are not meant to dispense unsolicited guidance, nor become friends with the youths.

  • Unfortunately, no, as the nature of this role does not meet the criteria of clinical practicum. The identities of the youths and the online befriender volunteers are kept anonymous. Furthermore, the emotional support provided to youths is purely in a text-based setting; for the safety of youths, these conversations are not done through video or voice call settings.  

  • This may be considered on a case-by-case basis. SAFEHOUSE is based in Singapore and serves youths based in Singapore. To best meet the needs of our youths, volunteers must be well-versed and familiar with the social, cultural and educational landscape, as well as local youth mental health space and its resources. Additionally, some of our screening and training processes will require in-person attendance.  

  • Yes, all prospective volunteers must undergo the training programme. The training will cover relevant youth mental health topics and emotional support strategies and tools. 

  • Yes, you do. The SAFEHOUSE Buddy training programme is designed specifically for the role in the context of the SAFEHOUSE community. 

  • We encourage our SAFEHOUSE Online Befrienders to stay on for at least a year of active volunteering. It takes time and effort to complete the training programme and build rapport with the youth of our community. You may wish to consider other volunteering roles under Limitless. 

  • Yes! Our Online Befrienders work closely together during the volunteering shifts when engaging in conversations with the youth. We also facilitate discussions and bonding activities during our volunteer events and monthly supervision sessions, to strengthen the bonds between fellow Buddies.  

  • Yes, we are currently recruiting for our SAFEHOUSE Buddies - Click to sign up now!

  • Kindly contact volunteers@limitless.sg with your queries and we will get back to you. Thank you!