NEXT STEP VOLUNTEERS
Our Next Steps Volunteers provide invaluable informal one to one support to women who are experiencing the effects of domestic abuse.
What does the role involve?
As a Next Steps volunteer your role is about giving one to one support to women who are re-building their lives following domestic abuse.
Living in a new home, possibly a new town and often away from their network of family and friends, many women find it hard to make new friends and really value the once a week informal social support of a Next Steps volunteer.
Your encouragement and support can help them find their feet more quickly and enable them to gain in independence and self-confidence.
You will be partnered with a woman who has requested Next Steps support and together you will meet regularly on an informal basis at mutually convenient weekdays and times.
Your meetings may include:
- Going out for coffee (or tea!!)
- Helping someone find their way around town/their new community
- Accompanying them to appointments
- Helping with shopping for household items
- Participating in leisure activities
- Providing company and a listening ear
What qualities, experience or skills do I need?
- Ability to get on with a wide range of people
- Ability to demonstrate warmth, empathy, compassion, common sense, patience and commitment
- A non-judgemental attitude and a commitment to anti-discrimination
- Awareness of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries
- Willingness to attend training
Time Required: 2 hours per week
Do I need a car? Depending on where you live a car may be useful but it is not essential for the role.
What support and training will I receive?
To ensure you feel properly prepared for your role you will be invited to attend our 12 week volunteer training programme where we cover topics such as what is domestic abuse, the importance of confidentiality and boundaries, child protection, the skills involved in being a Next Steps Volunteer. You will also receive regular support as an individual and through volunteer meetings. All travel expenses and reasonable out pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
I want to volunteer, what do I do?
For more information about this role and others contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 01457 890907 or email gwa@gvb.org.uk
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