Outreach Volunteer for Alessia Project - Female Only (Newham)

We are looking for volunteers to support our outreach team to build and establish positive relationships with women working on the streets. You will be supporting the team to provide practical support for women, this may include supporting women to access advice around housing and homelessness, sex health testing, substance misuse, physical and mental health, therapeutic services and obtaining essentials such as food and clothing and liaising with the police.

What you will be doing

• Offering support to those selling sex
• Providing information to people involved in sex work, around the support available such as health substance misuse support, access to benefits and finances and alternative employment.
• Building relationships, listening to people and providing a friendly conversation
• Support women to build confidence and develop strategies to put control, direction and purpose into their lives alongside team of outreach workers.
• Working with other agencies and community partners

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; good listening skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that supports building relationships whilst maintaining personal boundaries
• Calm and patient approach
• Willingness to work collaboratively with a range of external organisations.
• An interest to work and reach out to women involved in/affected by sex work.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.