Women's Hub and Outreach Volunteer for the Alessia Project - Female Only (Newham)

We are looking for outreach volunteers to support Hestia’s Alessia project!

This project is a commissioned independent service which is dedicated to supporting those aged 16+, who sell sex or are sexually exploited or in Newham. The project aim is to empower and support people to make informed choices about their lives. The service promotes a multi-agency working approach to support those in the borough of Newham. The Alessia project listens and respects the voice of the service users therefore, engagement is central to this role.

We are looking for volunteers to support our outreach team to build and establish positive relationships with those accessing our services. You will be supporting the team to provide practical support, this including advice around, sexual health, substance use, physical and mental health, therapeutic services and obtaining essentials such as food and clothing.

What you will be doing

• Offering support to those selling sex
• Providing information around the support available such as health substance misuse support, access to benefits and finances and alternative employment.
• Building relationships, listening to people and providing a friendly conversation
• Supporting with outreach occasionally
• Working with other agencies and community partners

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; good listening skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that supports building relationships whilst maintaining personal boundaries
• Calm and patient approach
• Willingness to work collaboratively with a range of external organisations.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.