does anyone volunteer for Women's Aid?

[queenrollo]

in September i'm going to have a few changes to my circumstances, and it may not be possible for me to get a job that works around my time with my son (i have shared custody with his dad).

so i've been looking into things i could do to keep myself occupied, alongside some training/further education to gain myself some qualifications.

one of my options is to volunteer at the local Womens Aid but thought i'd ask on here first to see if anyone does it and what sort of work is entailed.

I did - am still on the books but they don't need my skills at the moment.

I go in as and when needed to help the women with their English skills.

It is great... I have been through domestic violence myself (not that it matters if you haven't) and the women aren't supposed to discuss their cases with volunteers. You will also find they may be exceptionally cagey which is to be expected in their circumstances. You aren't allowed to "make friends" with them and say, meet them for coffee in town or anything like that and you are NOT under ANY circumstances allowed to tell ANYone where the refuge is; not even your husband if you have one or close family etc.

I know that sounds like a lot of "don't's" but it really is a good role; I loved it.

I suggest you ring your local branch and discuss it as they will need to meet you, discuss what you want to get out of it and what you could offer the women/children, do paperwork and CRB checks (the extended one because kids are involved) and then get the ball rolling.

You don't need specific qualifications - you could be a "play worker" with the kids... literally just go in once a week and play with them in the play area to give the parents a break, or do computer skills or something if you are good on a PC. You could do cooking or crafts or something with the women or kids - or both... it doesn't need to be academic

i volunteer as a counsellor at my local womens centre - similar role to womens aid. when not counselling i do all sorts, fundraise, clean up, admin, etc etc. they generally want people who will muck in with whatever. its lovely and moving and i cnat recommend it enough

i'm quite happy to muck in......
i currently work with children as a teaching assistant with a private tutor, and occasionally english and basic maths skills with adults which i guess would be a useful skill to them.....
eventually i want to train as a counsellor, but right now just need to find a direction for myself. I haven't suffered domestic violence myself but supported my best friend through a violent relationship for years (and unfotunately witnessed some of the violent outbursts).....and so it is a cause that is close to my heart.

when i get moved i will get in touch with my local group (there are actually two in the area)....and go in for a chat.

thankyou for your responses...