Domestic Abuse Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate and committed to supporting children and women who have fled domestic abuse? We are recruiting for volunteers to support our Children and Family Workers across London.

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in facilitating activities such as sports, arts, drama, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, cooking/baking, and dance.

Volunteering at Hestia is a vital part of our organisation with individuals from all walks of life sharing their experience, expertise, and knowledge. Get involved today with opportunities to learn, develop, and make a difference!

What you will be doing

• To help with the day to day running of the Children & Family Service
• To assist organising and facilitating activities and outings with the Children and Family Worker
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages
• To create timetables, posters, maps and instructions for residents
• To offer general admin help: typing, taking meeting minutes, filing and scanning documents
• To develop positive relationships with the children and women
• To gather ideas, suggestions from families, plan, collaborate and create a timetable of activities and sessions. To involve women and children in the planning and designing of activities
• To support in providing or purchasing resources for activities

The skills you need

• Experience working with children/childcare/play-work experience - gained formally or informally
• Willingness to learn about domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to work with women and children as a family unit

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.

Solace is a Domestic Abuse Charity, this year celebrating 50 years of providing services to women and children. We are at an exciting time in our development with a new Executive Team. We are seeking new Trustees to contribute and define our role and maximise our impact.

Those using our services often have multiple and complex needs relating to their health and wellbeing, often experiencing multiple traumas in their lives.  We are unique in our offer, offering a range of services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are looking for someone who values the equality of all women, is passionate about their wellbeing and the challenges they face in violent and abusive environments. An interest in Solace's work and approach are essential as well as an ambitious outlook for Solace's future

Trustees with expertise in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: legal ; fundraising ; NHS comissioning ; Digital technologies/competencies. 

EXPERIENCED TREASURER required to join the Trustee Board of our growing and evolving frontline charity in Dorset, support survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

STARS Dorset is a growing, independent charity supporting those living, working or studying in Dorset who have been affected by sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.  We support approximately 3600 unique individuals every year with our specialist support services, enabling them to start their own journey of recovery. Over the past 5 years we have seen increasing demand for our frontline services and we are now looking for a Treasurer to lead on the financial governance and compliance of our charity.

This is an  exciting time to join our talented and friendly Board.  The role provides the opportunity for the right candidate to use their experiences and skills, to help shape and steer our charity in its next phase of development to ensure our future sustainability and growth. 

We expect all staff and volunteers to model and support our values of  integrity, excellence, supportive, determination, and innovative.  As an integral part of our team, you will be committed to making a difference for those affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse

As a charity that values and celebrates people’s diversity and champions opportunities for all, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.   We believe that a diverse organisation is one that is more innovative, more creative and achieves better results.

STARS Dorset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and acceptable references.   

For more information about the role please contact our CEO, Helen Stevens..

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) services based in Bedford

Some of the tasks and responsibilities include:

• Contacting ex-clients of the Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Sexual Violence Support) service over the telephone 
• Building a rapport with individuals and ensuring people feel comfortable speaking with you
• Conducting client feedback surveys, ensuring that you are recording their responses accurately 
• Taking note of anything of concern and ensuring that you liaise with the manager of the service to raise this

You will have:
 

• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for speaking to new people on the phone.
• Good administrative skills and IT literacy
• A friendly, empathetic approach.
• The ability to listen to answers and record them appropriately.
• Patience and understanding.
• To treat all information in a confidential manner.

A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

Are you passionate about Art and would like to facilitate weekly sessions for the children in our refuges? We are looking for passionate and committed female only volunteers to support our refuge in Merton.

What you will be doing

• To facilitate weekly arts and crafts sessions for the women and children
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.
• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• To gather ideas and suggestions from service users to plan sessions

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal
• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) services based in Bedford

Some of the tasks and responsibilities include:

•  Supporting the Horizons and Onyx teams with raising awareness of their services across the Bedford area
•  Liaising and networking with community partners we work with such as GPs, Pharmacies, Community Centres and local businesses
• Attending and supporting promotion of services at local community events and Outreach projects
• Promoting our services by handing out leaflets, putting up posters and sharing posts online as well as word of mouth

You will be: 

• Be of a friendly, welcoming, approachable and a cheerful disposition
• Good communication skills with conversational English.
• Reliable & punctual.
• Be a team player with a flexible approach.
• Be proactive & work under your own initiative.
• A willingness to get stuck in.
• Able to maintain complete discretion in handling confidential information.

 A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

Are you a qualified nail technician and looking for a way to give back to the community? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as manicures and pedicures.

We have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to coordinate workshops on manicures/pedicures to promote confidence within oneself and positive wellbeing.

What you will be doing

• Encourage discussions on nails and aftercare
• Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session.
• Share basic tips and routines with group members.
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team.

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified nail technician
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting? You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Our charity shops in the heart of Dartford and Gravesend are looking for friendly volunteers to join our team and help make our shops a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

About Our Charity Shops:

The shops plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. We rescue and rehome around 200 animals each year and provide community help and support with animal welfare in all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both.

Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant:

• Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment for at least 4 hours weekly.
• Good communication and numeracy skills.
• You will need to be aged 16 or over.

Applications are particularly invited from people residing in DA postcodes or BR8 postcodes

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant:

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
•  A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
•  An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
• Join our small, but  friendly team of staff and volunteers.
• We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Do you have bags of enthusiasm and are good at organising events? If yes, volunteer for the RSPCA as a Fundraiser and have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds for animals in need in your area!

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will play a vital part, in organising and assisting with our fundraising activities. All the proceeds from these activities go directly towards the essential animal welfare work that we do at branch level. We rescue and rehome around 200 animals each year and provide community help and support with animal welfare in all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes.

Volunteer Fundraising Volunteer responsibilities:

• Organise, advertise, and promote fundraising activities to raise vital funds to improve animal welfare.

• Plan and participate in organised events for fundraising over an agreed time period.

• Communicate all planned activities with staff and other volunteers.

• Work alongside other volunteers, staff and members of the public, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.

• Ensure best practice in fundraising and that it is legally compliant.

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer:

• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment 4 hours weekly.

• Lots of enthusiasm to help us raise much needed funds

• Good communication and organisational skills

• Friendly and approachable

• Ability to work on own initiative

• Applications are particularly invited from people residing in DA postcodes or BR8 postcodes

What we can offer you as a volunteer Fundraising Volunteer:

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area..

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

•  Join our small but friendly team of staff and volunteers

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Can you help our four-legged friends get from A to B? We are looking for a friendly volunteer who can dedicate some time and their vehicle to transport our animals between our centres, boarding establishments, and the vets.

As a volunteer driver, you would be able to provide a suitable vehicle that you could use to help us transport the animals in our care. This is so our furry friends can get the veterinary care that they need or to reach one of our adoption units or animal centres. We rescue and rehome around 200 animals each year and provide community help and support with animal welfare in all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes.

You will be provided with everything you need to be able to transport our animals safely such as leads, cages etc. as well as any training and support. 

Volunteer Driver responsibilities:

• Transport animals to and from the vets, private boarding establishments and our animal centres within our health and safety guidelines.
• Ensure that RSPCA rules and regulations are complied with.
• Carry out a small amount of administrative work, such as completing mileage returns.
• Use RSPCA equipment to help you transport the animals such as leads, cages, kennels etc.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Driver:

• Drivers must be aged 18 or over, have a valid driving licence, and a vehicle, which is suitable for transporting animals.
•  Someone who can lift animals in and out of the vehicle.
•  A friendly volunteer who has time and patience for each animal.
•  Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment for 4 hours weekly.
•  A careful driver!
•  Applications are particularly invited from people residing in DA postcodes or BR8 postcodes

What we can offer you as a volunteer Driver:

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• A fun environment at the heart of the local community.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursement for any reasonable expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
• To join a small but friendly team of staff and volunteers.

Practical considerations:  

• Volunteers will be required to complete an annual driver’s declaration
• This role will involve lifting animals of various sizes and weight.
• All volunteers must ensure that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst driving for the RSPCA.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.   

We are looking for experienced volunteers to support with sessions teaching about sewing and designing, touching on things such as pattern cuttings and sewing techniques.

Hestia provides mental health support across 17 London boroughs and in Kent. Last year, Hestia supported more than 6,000 people across our mental health services.

What you will be doing

• To prepare sewing sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their sewing skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
• Sharing skills for designing such as pattern cutting and sewing techniques.

The skills you need

• Good communications skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Maintain discretion and judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information

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 - 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.

Are you a qualified in hair braiding/styling hair and would like to share your skills with others? We have an exciting opportunity to teach young people the skills needed to braid hair. Hair care is an essential to looking after oneself and providing confidence.

What you will be doing

• Planning hair braiding/styling workshops on a 1:1 basis or in a small group
• Sharing skills and techniques
• Encouraging others to get involved in learning and discussions about hair care

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Hair stylist
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun