Do you have time to spare?

However you can help and whatever free time you have, we have something to suit you. A little time from you can make the world of difference to your local community. You can volunteer for us in many different ways either as a one off or a regular commitment.

Here are some of the ways you can volunteer

Work with people who are affected by domestic violence and abuse: From supporting someone through the court system to having a coffee and a chat. 

‘The training process was an integral part of my “healing” after being in an abusive relationship, not only that, even though we don’t really keep in touch, I felt part of a family with those that trained with me and that has carried on within the office.  I’m not able to work 24/7 yet I’ve still felt that I’m part of a huge family.  Going to the office has always been a pleasure, even though the actual work can be tiresome on occasion.  Those that work for the organisation are a pretty special bunch – if I’ve ever needed support inside or outside of the office it’s been there and that’s always the case no matter who you are or what the problem.
There’s a real camaraderie there and everyone is always always, always kind and considerate – no matter what they’ve got on their plate.

Helping with the Support Group for a couple of hours on a Monday morning has been extra special and I’ve learnt so much there – sometimes it can be a traumatic experience
listening to some dreadful tales and supporting and advising some obviously vulnerable people.  Other times it’s completely frustrating and one wonders how the “system” can carry on
the way it does but other times everyone’s happy and the deepest the discussion gets is to who watched “Strictly…” or something. Even better still, sometimes one sees a confidence and a strength rise within individuals who one day just stop coming – it’s sad to lose them but in those cases you know it’s because they’re moving onwards and upwards.
Each woman I’ve met has given me so much and I feel honoured to have met them.  The same in the office – my life will never be the same because I volunteered for the Domestic violence and abuse service – and all for the positive.’

Fundraising: From running stalls to bid writing and everything in between.
We are able to offer training in bid writing!

‘I volunteer doing carboot sales and show stalls which is a great way to connect with people and letting them know about our services. It is an informal approach in reaching out to the public who otherwise might not know we existed as a service. For me volunteering gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am raising funds and awareness about our support.’

Awareness raising: From speaking on the radio to putting up posters

‘I enjoy all the areas I volunteer in but in particular, Awareness Raising. Generally, these are arranged ahead of time, where two Volunteers would travel together, to a known venue. It’s always great to have some statistics at the beginning, as it’s amazing how many facts people are unaware of.

I always say at the start that people can ask questions as part of the discussion or privately at the end. This is a great opportunity to share information about what services
our organisation provide, most people are totally amazed, as they have no idea of the huge level of support all under one roof!

I have always come away from an Awareness Raising events feeling that people have more knowledge about how domestic violence and abuse crosses all boundaries. There is no
‘Typical Victim’, and this is what amazes people most.

On every occasion people have personally thanked us for our time and generally ask for leaflets to be left. Awareness Raising is FUN!’

 Admin: From accounts to putting letters in envelopes

‘I have been involved with doing administration for Domestic violence and abuse service for a couple of months now. I have felt from the first day I was an important part of the team and enjoy the responsibility and feeling I am giving back to my community’

Training: From supporting someone to learn a new skill to running a group educational programme

Educational programme ‘Pattern Changing is like a small miracle. Some people come reluctantly at first, and many are apprehensive, but they very quickly recognise the benefit of attending each week, thoroughly enjoy the experience, and don’t want it to end. It is magical to see patterns changing over the fourteen week course, and to witness the personal development this enables, for both members and facilitators.’

Volunteer training –‘It’s a privilege to share my long experience of this organisation and to train others to do something that is so close to my own heart. I love to see the same
sort of passion for what we do develop in others.’

Practical: From mending a chair to knitting jumpers to raise funds

‘It’s amazing how much achievement I get from volunteering on a practical basis and there is always something that needs to be done! One day I can be mending a broken chair the next sorting out items for one of the craft stalls ( or even making something myself!) The one thing I do know is that we need more people who have practical skills to help’

 Trustees:
From supervising staff to managing budgets

I became a trustee in 2008. I answered an advertisement in the local paper, attended some training on the role of a trustee run by the local authority and then contacted Christine.  I had been a school governor in the past, but had no experience of trustee work. I attended three meetings as an observer, to see if I would fit in with the existing board and be able to
offer any skills to support the charity.
Once I had been invited to join the board of trustees, I also attended volunteer training to add to my knowledge of the work and ethos of the charity. Trustee meetings take place once a month, in the evening.  There are also training sessions and additional social gatherings which we are invited to attend.  There is some reading to be done to keep up to date.

It is difficult taking controversial decisions which affect people’s lives, as staff or clients.  It is important to have a mix of trustees with different backgrounds and experience, who can have an open discussion.

We also have opportunities for trained counsellors

We are always looking for new and innovative ideas for volunteering – tell us what you can do!

You do not need specific skills or qualifications – a flexible attitude is all that’s required. We pay all travel expenses.

We can help you if you have time to spare by offering an access to:
Training – We have a wide range of training opportunities
Work experience – We have lots of opportunities to gain new experiences and this will look great on your CV
References – We will provide honest references for all who have offered their time

If you would like to make a difference please contact us on:
01626 366174