This week is National Volunteer Week. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight the vitally important role that volunteers play within our organisation and say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the volunteers who have given their time to support survivors with us.

We spoke to Janet, one of our volunteers, about her experiences of volunteering with Vale Domestic Abuse Services.

“I began volunteering with Vale Domestic Abuse Services around a year ago. I knew I wanted to volunteer with an organisation dedicated to helping women who need professional and emotional support when they’re at their most vulnerable; when they need to move on from an abusive relationship, often with young children to care for, and often with an unstable homebase and low personal resources.

From our first phone call, the volunteer co-ordinator identified how I could be of most help to the organisation. Because of my previous experience, we soon agreed I could become a supportive co-facilitator on either of two courses offered by Vale Domestic Abuse Services, called ‘Journey Beyond Abuse’ and ‘Own My Life’.

I was impressed to learn that the organisation’s team of full-time employees provide professional support including a phone helpline and help for women who arrive at the office, emergency accommodation, counselling and professional advice, support with police or courts, and the opportunity for clients to meet with other survivors.

First, I had to have a DBS check, and then Vale DAS provided me with internal and online training, to learn about the current laws concerning violence against women and girls, and protection for children, and to fully understand the rules for confidentiality and protection for all Vale DAS service users.

I’ve now co-facilitated a number of eight-week courses with a wonderful lead-facilitator and an amazing group of participants, and I’m looking forward to each next group of women we meet. I’m helping in other ways too, at events for public outreach, some writing, and supporting some of the many social and wellbeing meetups that Vale DAS provides. I feel this work is rewarding and inspiring!

If you are interested in volunteering with Vale Domestic Abuse Services, there are many ways to help from administrative support, to helping with groups and events. They will find a niche that best suits you, and you will be welcomed and very much appreciated as a volunteer.”

Our huge thanks to Janet for her continued support. If you are interested in volunteering with Vale Domestic Abuse Services, please contact [email protected] .