Why volunteer for Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA)?
Making a difference:
Many of our volunteers feel that being given the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of people in their community is a privilege. That supporting women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse is rewarding work and a great way to feel like they are making a genuine difference to the lives of others.
Gaining confidence:
Volunteering with us can help you to build self-confidence. We pride ourselves on the supportive and friendly environment enjoyed by our staff, and volunteering with us makes you a part of that team. We offer mentors to volunteers where appropriate and regular check-ins with our volunteering co-ordinator so you can build confidence and feel supported in your role.
Meeting new people:
Volunteering with us can bring you into contact with many different women from the most diverse range of backgrounds. There is a social side to our organisation, from fund raising challenges, to Christmas parties and the occasional night out, that many of our volunteers enjoy.
Learning new skills:
We provide all appropriate training for our roles. This may include domestic violence and abuse awareness training, retail skills, answering helpline calls or admin skills. Whatever area you work in, volunteering with us can help you develop new skills, or polish up existing ones and gain valuable work-based experience. In fact, many of our volunteers go on to successfully apply for paid positions within BSWA.
Taking on a new challenge:
Volunteering with BSWA will give you the opportunity to challenge yourself to try something new, to step outside your comfort zone and discover skills and strengths you didn’t know you had. We may even persuade you to run a half marathon or abseil down the side of a Birmingham hotel. Who knows, no two days are the same at BSWA
The role:
We benefit from 129 volunteering hours every week, that’s the equivalent of 3.5 extra full-time members of staff.
Without our volunteers we simply would not be able to provide the support services that we do. Our volunteers are key to every area of our business, from our charity shops through to our helpline. All of our volunteers are integral members of the BSWA team and we can’t express just how much we value the time, commitment and enthusiasm that they so generously donate.
We are always keen to hear from women who are interested in volunteering for us and currently have opportunities in the following areas:
- helpline
- drop-in
- administration
- fundraising
- retail
In turn for the time and energy you give, we will offer training, support and the opportunity to challenge yourself to do something new, to support the women in your local community and make a difference.
Contact the volunteering team for more information.
