VOLUNTEER WITH TNA
A little of your time can mean so much.
Give a little time. Help someone feel less alone.
Helpline · Friendship Line · Groups · Fundraising · Events
The heart of TNA is people
Some volunteers support people directly through the Helpline, e-helpline, Friendship Line or Regional Support Groups. Others help with fundraising, awareness, events, administration, communications, research support or professional skills.
You do not need to do everything. You might give regular time, help once, fundraise, share approved information or use the skills you already have. We will help you find a role that suits the time, experience and confidence you can offer. Some people volunteer when their TN is quieter or in remission because they want to give something back. Others are carers, friends, professionals or simply people who want to help. Your health comes first, and we understand that what you can manage may change.
What we look for
We value people who are caring, reliable and respectful; who can listen carefully and work within clear boundaries; and who want to help people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.
Direct-support roles have clear boundaries. Volunteers support, listen, share approved information and signpost. They do not diagnose, prescribe or replace medical care. We will explain the role and any training required before you begin.
Ways you can help
These are examples rather than a fixed list. Choose the kind of contribution that fits you.
Helpline volunteers
Offer a calm, compassionate voice to people who may be newly diagnosed, isolated or struggling to explain their pain. Typical commitment: one week on the helpline rota, four times a year.
See how the Helpline works
E-helpline volunteers
Reply to people who prefer to write or who find speaking difficult because of facial pain, using approved information and signposting. Typical commitment: one week on the e-helpline rota at a time.
See the e-helpline and support options
Friendship Line volunteers
Provide regular human contact for people living with loneliness or the emotional strain of long-term facial pain. Calls are booked for you. Typical commitment: around 45 minutes once a week or once a fortnight, usually for an initial six weeks with one person. This can be extended when it is helpful and suitable for both people.
See our support services
Regional Support Group leads
Bring people together locally or online so they can meet others who understand trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain. Typical commitment: around four group meetings a year, with a little preparation and follow-up around each one.
See our Regional Support Groups
Fundraising volunteers
Organise or help with a fundraiser — a coffee morning, Tea4TNA, sponsored challenge, workplace event, sale or community activity. This can be a one-off contribution or something you do more regularly.
See fundraising ideas
Awareness volunteers
Share approved information, support campaigns, promote events and help more people understand trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain. You can help locally, online or with a single campaign or event.
See our awareness campaign
Events and webinar volunteers
Help with preparation, registration, reminders, questions, feedback and follow-up for online and in-person events. You might help at one event or become part of the regular events team.
Administration and skills volunteers
Support the charity with administration, writing, design, IT, finance, communications, translation, research support, professional skills or local outreach. This can be regular, occasional or project-based.
Ready to volunteer?
Complete our short volunteer form and tell us what interests you, how much time you may have and any skills or experience you would like to offer. You do not need to know exactly where you fit — we can help you find the right role.
Freephone: 0800 999 1899, Option 2