Volunteers Needed

Refuge is the UK's largest provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence. We are looking for committed *FEMALE volunteers to support our helpline.

Volunteer Role Description

Staff and volunteers working on the Domestic Violence Helpline provide confidential support, and practical help, to women experiencing domestic violence, and to agencies working with abused women and their families. This involves:

• Answering calls on a four-hour rota basis, as agreed with Helpline management
• Listening, and offering support and practical help to callers
• Giving advice to professionals calling the line, and liaising with agencies on behalf of callers
• Making referrals to women's refuges
• Performing any administrative tasks connected with taking calls before ending shifts
• 'Handing over' (all relevant information) to staff/volunteers on the incoming shift
• Attending support group meetings and supervision sessions as agreed
• Attending any future, relevant training sessions
• Adhering to Health and Safety regulations and to Refuge's Equal Opportunities policy

Person Specification

• A mature, warm, open-minded woman with a friendly personality combined with self-awareness
• A commitment to Refuge's philosophy, aims and values
• A non-judgmental approach
• Flexibility
• Ability to work under pressure, handling difficult situations
• While no personal experience of domestic violence is required, an understanding of the issues involved, and an interest in women's issues is essential
• Experience of working on a telephone helpline, or in a position where you were offering advice and support is desirable, but not essential

You must have a commitment to the values of empowerment, support and equality, which underpin all the work undertaken by Refuge.

Download the volunteer application form (Word format, 76KB)

*Section 7.2(d) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies. Refuge is an equal opportunities employer.