You could become one of our highly valued volunteers

Have a look at our volunteer roles…

 

Befriender Role Description

Summary:
Befrienders offer support to women (and their children) who are accessing support and help from Whispers of Hope. By doing this they help to reduce their social isolation and build their confidence and self-esteem.
Tasks this role may include:
  • Supporting women on a one-to-one basis according to their individual needs either face-to-face, on the phone or in the community
  • Spending time socially with the women and developing a supportive friendship for an agreed period of time
  • Supporting women to achieve their goals to be able to live free from domestic abuse
  • Supporting the women to become more independent
This might be the role for you if:
  • You are a good listener
  • You have excellent communication skills
  • You are empathetic and non-judgemental
  • You are willing to try new things and adapt to the needs of the person you are supporting
  • You are able to work without direct supervision
  • You believe every woman has the right to live free from domestic abuse in the UK and to access support to achieve this
The benefits for you:
  • Practical experience of working with women who have no recourse to public funds and have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual trafficking
  • An understanding and awareness of domestic abuse and its effects and the challenges women face
  • An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
  • An opportunity to engage with your local community
  • An opportunity for training and personal development
Support and training provided:
  • Mandatory Training (to be completed by all Whispers of Hope Volunteers)
  • Volunteer Induction (2.5 hours)
  • Domestic Abuse Awareness (3 hours)
  • Safeguarding Training (2 hours)
  • An understanding of No Recourse to Public Funds and its impact on women who are victims of domestic abuse (2 hours)
Additional Learning Opportunities (relevant to your role and personal interest)
  • Befriending Training (2 hours)
  • Honour Based Violence (1.30 hours)
  • Female Genital Mutilation (1.30 hours)
  • The effects of trauma on women who have experienced domestic abuse and how we can best support them (3 hours)
  • Ongoing regular training and support as your role requires
Additionally
  • Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses
  • Volunteer meet ups and information sharing

Becoming a volunteer… 5 step process

  1. Complete an application form including two references
  2. References respond
  3. Informal interview
  4. Complete mandatory training
  5. Start your role as a volunteer.