Domestic Abuse Groupwork Assistant Volunteer
Description
Horizons is a project aimed at supporting women and their children who have been exposed to one or more of the following: Domestic Abuse, Substance Misuse and Mental ill Health. Horizons is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, and support is available for families based in Bedford. Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities • Supporting the group facilitators to plan weekly sessions • Setting up the room, including tables, chairs and resources for the participants • Making all participants feel welcome, greeting them and offering to settle them in • Supporting the facilitator to run particular activities as part of the session delivery • Ensuring you have a non-judgmental, friendly and approachable demeanour • Maintaining confidentiality at all times Training / Support
• A full induction to the Horizons service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course • Required to complete the following online training: Safeguarding Children & Young People; Safeguarding Adults; Health & Safety; Equality & Diversity; Manual Handling • Plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available • Regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager • Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events Additional Information • Undergo enhanced DBS check • X2 References required • Undertake additional training as and when required • We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines.
The impact you'll have
Approx. 2 to 3 hours per week, Bedford, Flitwick & Luton
Liberty Domestic Abuse Group (Women only): Central Bedfordshire – Monday 09:30 - 14:30 Bedford – Wednesday 09:30 - 14:30 Luton – Friday 09:30 - 14:30
Talk 4 M Domestic Abuse Support Group (Males only): Bedford - Thursday 16:30 – 19.30
The skills you'll need
You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:
• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Have a non-judgmental approach
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and approachable disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Experience supporting people with complex needs/situations including: grief, trauma, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values
When
Schedule
Flexible times
Commitment
Ongoing
You will need
Criminal record check required
Driving required
Minimum age: 18
ONE YMCA
Families, children and young people
We provide social housing for single people and support the training and development of young people and residents. We also operate a range of children’s centres and a full-day nursery.
In addition, we deliver community services including health, sports and recreation programmes, along with facilities and meeting spaces for local groups.