Domestic abuse volunteer roles

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

·  Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.

·  Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

·  Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

·  Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

·  Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.

·  Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.

·  Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.

·  Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

·  Be 18 years of age or over.

·  Be able to volunteer for at least 6 hours per week, for at least 12 months.

·  Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes 7 virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.

·  Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

·  Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

·  Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

·  All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

·  VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

·  VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

·  We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Would you like to help East Ayrshire Women’s Aid improve the lives of women, children and young people who experience domestic abuse in East Ayrshire? Do you have a willingness to learn, share your skills and work as part of a team? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you might be interested in becoming a Director of East Ayrshire Women’s Aid.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team delivering vital support to vulnerable women, children and young people in East Ayrshire. You do not need to know everything there is to know about domestic abuse, but they do need to know that you are reliable and committed to our principles and values.

The position is voluntary, but East Ayrshire Women’s Aid will provide you with training and support and pay your expenses. The Board meets at least six times a year, usually on Saturday mornings.

Applications are welcomed from women from all sections of the community.

This post is subject to PVG Disclosure. Women only need apply. The post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010).

Job Title: Client Support Volunteer

Location: The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: Not applicable as this is a voluntary role
Contract type: Voluntary - 4 hours per week (days to be discussed)

Hours: 4 Hours per week (days to be discussed) 

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Client Support Volunteer to provide additional practical and emotional support to victims and survivors who are impacted or are experiencing domestic abuse and any other strands of Violence Against Women Girls (VAWG) and are accessing specialist support provided by the Gaia team.

As a Client Support Volunteer, your role will be to provide individual support to the clients receiving support from the Gaia Centre. This will be done either on the phone or in person and with the aim of increasing the clients’’ confidence, reducing their isolation and helping them to re-build their lives. You will do this by offering our clients and the team support in a variety of ways, including:

1. Assisting clients with locating and completing applications for relevant grants, services, courses, jobs etc., providing follow-up support where necessary. These could include registering for housing or financial support, the GP or applying for a new job.
2. Accompanying clients to appointments for accommodation, medical appointments or job interviews etc.
3. Recognising when it is necessary to take steps to safeguard adults and children, escalating the situation swiftly and appropriately to the line manager, Community Engagement Lead.
4. Encouraging clients to research activities that interest them in the local area to increase their engagement in the community
5. Welcoming clients to group sessions and helping them to navigate their way safely to the correct location.
6. Participating in celebrations and events held by our service, like International Women’s Day.
7. Providing some administrative support when required e.g. taking calls and messages; updating client contact details; sharing information about the service with professionals and clients.
8. Ensuring client records are updated accurately and that the security of sensitive information is maintained. This is to protect our clients and ensure Refuge remains GDPR compliant.
9. Plus much more - please refer to our job pack for more information.

Training: You will be required to attend 3 days of training on the 14th, 15th and 16th of September from 10am-4pm each day (non-negotiable) 

Closing Date: 09:00am 24 June 2026

Interview date: 1 and 2nd July 2026

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

CARA is looking for a female Advocacy Volunteer to support our Advocacy Co-ordinator in providing advocacy support to victims and survivors of any kind of sexual violence. You would have an allocated case load, and work would include support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. The volunteer will be line-managed by CARA’s Advocacy Manager and will work alongside the very friendly CARA team.

Our Advocacy team support CARA’s clients with a wide range of advocacy issues. The main tasks are to hold a small caseload and support victims and survivors of sexual violence with:

· Accessing benefits, including filling in forms.

· Accessing services, including mental health, housing and legal services, and accompanying to appointments, if necessary.

· Providing and signposting to financial support and debt advice.

· Accessing appropriate support at school / college/work.

· Emotional support, including aspects of self-care strategies and psycho education.

· Providing occasional support for CARA’s face to face and/or online social group

Job Description:

Partnerships & Referral Lead — Living With Hope CIC

Living With Hope CIC is seeking a strong Partnerships & Referral Lead to help build meaningful relationships with charities, funders, community organisations, referral partners and aligned service providers.

We provide safe accommodation and structured support for individuals escaping or recovering from domestic abuse. Our mission is to restore stability, dignity and opportunity.

This is not a passive advisory role.

We are looking for someone who can help identify, build and strengthen partnerships that lead to referrals, funding opportunities, service collaboration and long-term organisational growth.

The role will involve:

• Identifying charities, community organisations and referral partners aligned with our mission
• Helping build relationships with domestic abuse services, faith groups, funders and support organisations
• Supporting referral pathway development and partnership conversations
• Helping create partnership packs, outreach messages and collaboration proposals
• Supporting introductions to relevant organisations and stakeholders
• Helping identify grant, sponsorship and funding opportunities
• Ensuring partnership activity leads to measurable outcomes such as referrals, funding, credibility or service growth
• Strengthening the organisation’s reputation within the voluntary, community and social impact sector

We are especially interested in someone with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity partnerships or community engagement
• Domestic abuse, homelessness, housing or victim support services
• Grant funding, fundraising or philanthropy
• Faith-based or community-led support networks
• Referral pathway development
• Social enterprise, CIC or voluntary sector growth
• Relationship management with funders, charities or public sector partners

This position is currently voluntary, but it is designed for someone who wants to help build real partnerships that create impact, income and long-term organisational value.

Expected commitment: approximately 1 board meeting per month, plus partnership-related input where required.

If you understand partnerships, referrals, funding routes and the power of the right relationships, we would welcome a conversation.

Hopian is looking for volunteers to be the first point of contact for anyone who gets in touch with our Helpline for those affected by Domestic Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation.

Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

What the role entails:

• Answer inbound calls and respond to general enquiries to help people understand our service and the next steps.
• Take safe contact details and record brief notes so our staff can follow up efficiently.
• Triage and signpost using clear guidance, escalating any higher-risk or complex concerns to a staff member.
• Support email responses to straightforward enquiries and referrals, using agreed templates and safecontact practices.
• Contact people at the end of their support to gather feedback, helping us improve our services and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

What we are looking for:

• Clear and confident communication, spoken and written,
• Active listening and empathy, with the ability to stay calm under pressure,
• Good judgement about boundaries and confidentiality (you will always have a staff member to escalate to),
• Basic digital skills for call notes and email replies.

Training, supervision & support

You will receive a structured induction, role-specific training, and ongoing group supervision, plus access to the Volunteer Handbook and a supportive team environment.

Recruitment process

Once you submit your CV and covering letter, it will be reviewed and shortlisted against the role criteria. If your application meets the requirements, you will be invited to an interview.

Applicants who are successful at the interview will receive a conditional offer, subject to standard checks. These include identity verification, two satisfactory references, and, where required for the role, a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We will keep you informed at each stage and will advise you of induction dates once we have made a conditional offer.

Before starting your role, you will need to attend all required induction and role-specific training. Some sessions may fall outside your usual weekly volunteering schedule, particularly in the early stages of onboarding. We ask for a commitment to attend the full training programme so that you feel confident and supported in the helpline.

Job Description:

Public Sector & Commissioning Lead — Living With Hope CIC

Living With Hope CIC is seeking a strong Public Sector & Commissioning Lead to help strengthen our relationships with councils, commissioners, referral partners and public sector stakeholders.

We provide safe accommodation and structured support for individuals escaping or recovering from domestic abuse. Our mission is to restore stability, dignity and opportunity.

This is not a passive advisory role.

We are looking for someone who understands how local authorities, commissioning teams, Adult Social Care, housing departments and public sector referral pathways operate and who can help us build the credibility, relationships and structure needed to secure sustainable placements and partnerships.

The role will involve:

• Supporting engagement with local authorities, commissioners and public sector stakeholders
• Helping identify the correct decision-makers and referral routes
• Strengthening our credibility with councils and commissioning teams
• Supporting the development of commissioning packs, service overviews and partnership materials
• Helping the organisation understand public sector requirements, expectations and processes
• Supporting introductions, relationship-building and follow-up strategies
• Helping convert conversations into referrals, placements, contracts or formal partnership opportunities
• Ensuring public sector activity contributes directly to income generation, sustainability and organisational value

We are especially interested in someone with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Local authority commissioning
• Adult Social Care
• Housing, homelessness or supported accommodation
• Domestic abuse services or victim support pathways
• Public sector procurement or contract management
• Council partnership development
• Health, social care or community safety services
• Working with CICs, charities or social enterprises delivering public services

This position is currently voluntary, but it is designed for someone who wants to play a serious role in helping a growing organisation build public sector credibility and secure meaningful outcomes.

Expected commitment: approximately 1 board meeting per month, plus commissioning-related input where required.

If you understand council systems, commissioning routes and how to turn public sector relationships into real outcomes, we would welcome a conversation.

Job Description:

Housing & Property Compliance Lead — Living With Hope CIC

Living With Hope CIC is seeking a capable Housing & Property Compliance Lead to support the organisation’s accommodation standards, property readiness and housing compliance.

We provide safe accommodation and structured support for individuals escaping or recovering from domestic abuse. Our mission is to restore stability, dignity and opportunity.

This is not a passive advisory role.

We are looking for someone who understands housing, property standards and compliance, and can help ensure our accommodation is safe, presentable, properly managed and credible to councils, commissioners, funders and referral partners.

The role will involve:

• Supporting property compliance across our accommodation portfolio
• Reviewing housing standards, property readiness and inspection processes
• Helping strengthen fire safety, HMO, maintenance and compliance evidence
• Supporting SEA/Housing Benefit credibility from a property standards perspective
• Helping create a clear property readiness checklist for new accommodation
• Reviewing property risks before they become operational or reputational issues
• Supporting documentation, reports and evidence packs for councils and stakeholders
• Ensuring our housing standards support resident safety, commissioner confidence and long-term growth

We are especially interested in someone with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Supported accommodation
• HMO management or housing compliance
• Property management or lettings
• Environmental health, housing standards or inspections
• Fire safety, maintenance or facilities management
• Housing Benefit, SEA or local authority accommodation standards
• Property operations within a charity, CIC, housing provider or social enterprise

This position is currently voluntary, but it is designed for someone who wants to help build a credible, high-standard housing model that can scale.

Expected commitment: approximately 1 board meeting per month, plus property compliance input where required.

If you understand housing standards, compliance and the importance of getting accommodation right, we would welcome a conversation.

Hopian is a local charity providing domestic abuse and sexual exploitation support and refuge accommodation services. Our mission is to support and promote the right to have healthy, safe relationships, free of violence, abuse and sexual exploitation for all in society, helping individuals to overcome trauma in order to thrive and grow.

Role purpose

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will be part of our Fundraising Team, supporting and helping to grow our fundraising activities. Your contribution will play a vital role in raising essential funds through a range of events and community initiatives, enabling us to continue our important work.

Tasks and Activities

No two days at Hopian are the same, and activities will vary depending on need. You will be guided by the team on where your support is most valuable. Tasks may include:

• Supporting fundraising activities and identifying new fundraising opportunities
• Promoting local fundraising events through bucket collections and in‑store collections
• Assisting with the planning, organisation, and delivery of fundraising events
• Attending events and providing support on event days
• Promoting fundraising campaigns and initiatives within the local community
• Talking to members of the public and potential donors to raise awareness of Hopian
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with local businesses and supporters
• Undertaking administrative tasks to support fundraising activity and ensure accurate records are maintained

By joining our team, you will become part of a group of valued volunteers who we can call upon to support events, helping to ensure they are enjoyable and successful for everyone involved.

Location & Times

This role is based at Hopian, High Street, Rotherham, although you will also be required to attend other local venues to support fundraising activities and events.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours per week, with additional ad hoc support on event days where possible. Times are flexible and can be arranged to suit your availability.

What we expect from you

• An outgoing personality with the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of people
• A friendly, approachable manner and a positive, flexible attitude
• Previous fundraising experience is desirable but not essential
• Ability to listen carefully and follow instructions
• Reliability, punctuality, and ability to work well with others
• Willingness to undertake agreed training and activities — you will never be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable with

What you can expect from us

• A supportive and welcoming environment
• Fully funded induction and appropriate training and workshops where appropriate
• Opportunities to build confidence, develop skills, and make new connections
• Reimbursement of agreed travel and activity expenses
• Fundraising t‑shirts provided for use at events
• Assurance that all volunteer activities are insured and risk‑assessed to keep you safe

Benefits of the Role

• Impact: Make a real difference in the community by supporting fundraising efforts that benefit 

           local causes.

• Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in fundraising, event planning, and community 

           engagement, enhancing employability.

• Networking: Build relationships with local organisations, businesses and community members

 Important Information

All volunteers are required to attend an induction training session. All training is funded, and refreshments will be provided.

Due to the nature of our work supporting people at risk, all volunteers must undergo a DBS check, provide references, and complete additional risk assessments where required.

We are committed to removing barriers to participation wherever possible. Many aspects of this role are flexible and can be adapted — please let us know how we can support you.

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

We are looking for the 'practical hands' to help our families reclaim their childhood. Use music to help families regulate, bond and feel joy again. Whether you sing, drum, strum or play something unique, you’ll help create soothing, expressive sessions that support emotional wellbeing.

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside Children Family workers throughout the summer, and will be invited to join an end of summer party.

Do you love the outdoors and hands on exploring? We are looking for the 'practical hands' to help our families reclaim their childhood. Help children build dens, discover wildlife and reconnect with nature in joyful, confidence boosting outdoor sessions! You will be helping us to create a safe space for joy to return! This role is great for anyone who thrives outdoors and wants to bring mini adventures to life. This role will take place every other Friday.

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside the Children Family workers throughout the summer, and will be invited to join an end of summer party.