Surrey Volunteering

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South West Surrey Domestic Abuse

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDA) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse living in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information. We have helped thousands of survivors living in our local communities to feel empowered and informed to live a life free from domestic abuse harm.

ABOUT US:

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDA) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse living in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley.

We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information. Since 2004, we have helped thousands of survivors living in our local communities to feel empowered and informed to live a life free from domestic abuse harm.

Our services include one to one support, peer and group work, specialist help for children and young people and specific advice for the LGBTQ+ population.

Last year, we helped over 1000 women and children living in Guildford and Waverley boroughs whose lives are affected by domestic abuse. Now we are expanding our volunteer team, looking for people who share our passion for making a positive difference in the local community and empowering survivors to live a life free from harm. 

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS:

Our Impact in 2021 / 2022:

Provided tailored support to over 1,000 women and children living in Guilford and Waverley Boroughs
Had over 1339 referrals including from Police, Social Services and Self Referrals
Trained over 550 professionals to recognise domestic abuse
Supported children and young people exposed to domestic abuse in 240 one to one sessions in a safe space
Over 40 women supported through the Freedom Programme

OUR VALUES:

Our values include: * Working with survivors and children on a need led, strengths based, trauma informed basis; * Believing in survivors and children and putting them at the centre of all the work; * Being non-judgemental; * Placing the responsibility for the abuse with the perpetrator; * Working with survivors to empower and inform them; * Providing services that are free of charge, impartial, independent and confidential; * Working with survivors and children to meet their needs, increase safety and freedom; and * Working in a multi-agency environment to meet the needs of survivors and children.

THINGS WE ARE PROUD OF:

Our outreach service provides emotional and practical support to those experiencing domestic abuse in the Guildford and Waverley Boroughs. We work from a needs-led and strengths-based perspective to ensure that each client is treated as an individual. We offer a wide range of services including: • One to one support providing information and support both short and long term • Risk assessment and safety planning • Providing advocacy for clients when approaching other agencies for other help and support • Referral or signposting to other agencies when client needs cannot be fully met by Outreach • Supporting and referral of those needing refuge accommodation • Help with obtaining protective orders • Sanctuary Scheme referrals • Providing a safe space for women to seek support • One to one support for children affected by domestic abuse from specialist children’s workers • Work in schools and support for Home School Link Workers • Access to specialist LGBTQ+ outreach worker • Access to legal support through Survivors Group • Access to free qualified counselling to clients

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN OUR PEOPLE:

We welcome volunteers over the age of 18 from a wide range of backgrounds including those who have been affected by domestic abuse (subject to a recovery period). We value skills gained in caring for family as well as a working in other voluntary environments.

We do ask that our volunteers commit for at least six months unless it is a role for a short term fixed period.

You don’t need experience of domestic abuse or volunteering but we do look for:

Good listening skills
Mental resilience (due to the nature of our work, some volunteers may hear things they find difficult). We always offer support and are there to listen in these circumstances.
Commitment and reliability
Empathy and compassion

Discretion
A desire to help others
Regular availability during office hours (some of our volunteers do help in the evening, working on projects that can be supported remotely).

Our volunteers are an incredible team who give up their time to support our service. Their roles vary enormously and include a graphic designer, office administrators, bid writers and a team who support survivors at peer and support groups.

Our volunteers may want to build on existing skills and experience, meet new people, boost confidence or do something rewarding in the local community. Whatever the motivation for volunteering, there may be a role for you.

If you are passionate and committed to supporting local people affected by domestic abuse this may be the place for you.

HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT:

We have a vision for every adult and child experiencing domestic abuse to be seen, safe and heard, and free from the harm caused by perpetrator behaviour and:

Can access the right information, services and support at the right time in the right place
Are empowered to live lives free from domestic violence or abuse