Refuge

About the opportunity 

Our safe houses (refuges) provide secure accommodation and support to women affected by domestic abuse, and their children. We currently operate seven safe houses in various locations across Norfolk and it is our priority to make sure people feel as comfortable as possible. 

Important: This is not a counselling role as Leeway does not provide counselling to people who use our service. This opportunity is restricted to female applicants due to the nature of the role (S.7(2)(e) SDA applies. Exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1). 

Volunteers are an important and valued part of Leeway. We offer you: 

• An introduction to the charity and your team/project/role 

• Any training for your role, as stated in the role description 

• After three months of your help on a regular weekly basis, we can supply a reference 

• Support, feedback, appreciation and encouragement 

• To solve any problems as best we can 

• Free tea/coffee when you are on shift 

• Respect your dignity and treat you with kindness 

• Make use of your skills and talents and help you to develop new ones, if desired 

• Reimburse you for your travel expenses up to £15. 

• Ensure volunteering opportunities best suit your needs and Leeway’s needs 

• Keep you up-to-date with information concerning your role and the charity 

• A safe volunteering environment including covering you with insurance whilst you are 

volunteering 

• Equal opportunities and fairness 

• Protect your personal information, holding it confidentially. 

What are we looking for? 

Committed volunteers to assist staff with a range to tasks to ensure the safe house runs smoothly. Volunteers with strong communication skills also help support the residents and get involved with a variety of activities for the families living there. 

Skills: 

• Previous experience of working in a residential setting is very welcomed, but not necessary 
• Excellent listening and communication skills essential 
• A clear understanding of personal and professional boundaries 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Enthusiastic and friendly  
• A willingness to get involved with a variety of tasks 
• Caring and sensitive manner 
• Robust emotional support skills 
• Positive outlook and enthusiastic 
• Non-judgemental and empathetic 
• Non-directive approach 
• Understanding and patient 
• Reliable and good time keeping 
• Ability to work without direct supervision 
• An interest in understanding domestic abuse 
• You must live locally; ideally have access to a car, and hold a clean driving licence. 

Tasks (these are varied and could include): 

• Helping staff run any activities and groups for residents and their children 
• Assisting with coffee mornings and offering friendly conversations 
• Being a listening ear, supportive and encouraging (not giving advice) 
• Helping sort through donations; labelling and storing these 
• Assisting residents at appointments eg. attending the GP 
• Helping prepare flats/rooms for new residents 
• Helping new residents familiarise themselves with the local area 
• General admin tasks (photocopying, filing, shredding etc) 

Practical Considerations 

Location: Our location is confidential; these will be disclosed once a confidentiality form has been completed. 

Hours: We request a few hours help a week, for a minimum of six months. 

Support: We provide full support and guidance while you are volunteering and offer travel expenses. 

Training: You will be given an induction to the charity, which includes Domestic Abuse Awareness, DASH Risk Assessment, and Confidentiality & Boundaries training. You are also welcome to come to any other training we offer throughout the year. 

Basic DBS Checks will be completed when working in refuge