Volunteering opportunities for service users

In our commitment to empowering recovery with maximum benefit to our service users, we also support women to access opportunities for economic improvement. Most of the women accessing refuge accommodation have not ever been in employment. Supporting women toward employment is of great benefit not only to the individual but also to local and national economic growth. 

As part of trauma recovery women are encouraged to focus on gaining employment skills.  When they feel ready and depending on their area of interest, service users in the refuge benefit from the volunteering opportunities.  

Through our developed networks, Service Users volunteer at various local settings such as a charity shop, 2 different education providers, the local DWP office, a local foodbank, at a local community centre and also with the local police. 

Service users have commented they feel good about making a difference not only for themselves but also by giving back to the community. Service users report meeting people through volunteering improves their self-esteem and confidence, helps gain valuable employment skills, creates positive routines, provides opportunity for increased networking and making new friends, helps to explore career paths, helps to build a real sense of achievement, increases social skills good for mind and body improving physical and mental wellbeing and expands interests and hobbies.

Through this initiative, many Service Users have been offered and have taken up paid employment. This has contributed toward survivor resilience, improved economic status and a sense of accomplishment.