One of the country's leading domestic violence organisations is seeking volunteers for its national helpline.

Women's Aid has been offering support to women and children affected by domestic violence since its establishment in 1974.

Last year, the organisation's helpline heard over 22,000 disclosures of abuse and despite major budget cuts, it managed to extend its helpine from a 12-hour service to a 24-hour service.

It now require volunteers to help with it ‘out of hours' service. These volunteers will be trained to provide support in a non-judgemental, non-directive way, working from a model of self-help and mutual aid.

"This model of work is about empowering callers to make their own decisions rather than about helping them," the organisation explained.

Successful applicants will have to take part in group and individual interviews. They will need to be Garda vetted.

Training will take place in the evening time and on Saturdays to facilitate those who work. Once training is completed, there will be an induction period before volunteers are allowed to take calls. The requirement to help after that will be one shift per week for a minimum of two years.

Women's Aid is looking for people who are over the age of 18, who are good listeners and who have fluent English. They must have a warm and empathetic manner and an interest in the issue of domestic violence.

The next round of training begins in September and runs for five weeks The closing date for applications is July 25.

For more information on how to apply, click here