Volunteer

We are delighted and proud to announce that we have been officially awarded the People Can Volunteering Quality Standard, a locally recognised benchmark of excellence in volunteer management and support.

The People Can Volunteering Quality Standard assessment team shared exceptionally positive feedback, noting that our evidence not only met, but exceeded, the required standards in several key areas.

Highlights of the feedback included:

• A clear, accessible and well-structured volunteer handbook
• Robust, inclusive, and supportive induction and placement processes
• Clear definition of volunteer roles and responsibilities
• Ongoing support via strong written policies and in-person guidance
• A culture of respect, inclusion and appreciation across the organisation

Our volunteers

Hannah

I was looking for work and I thought it may help if I got some experience. I came across Staying Put, and the roles looked really interesting. I wanted to work in the community and with vulnerable woman so Staying Put was a good fit and I applied.

I have worked many different roles as a volunteer, and it has been very rewarding. I have done welfare calls to speak to clients on the waiting list for an IDVA, I would offer emotional and listening support and reassurance and check for any new support needs. I have done a lot of admin work to record the contacts I have had with clients. I have volunteered for the power of change group, this is a group to support people who have gone through domestic abuse to build better boundaries and awareness of healthy relationships and recognising red flags.

I have been trained as part of my volunteering and to help me in my role, including how to use the admin systems and how to make client calls. I have received a lot of training around domestic abuse and safeguarding.

The best thing about volunteering is giving your time to help others. It feels really meaningful being part of someone’s journey. It also helps me towards my goal which is to get a part time job helping people.

If someone was thinking of volunteering at Staying Put I would tell them to go for it as it is a warm and friendly environment and you get to make a difference.

Jahlekah

I have been volunteering at Staying Put for six months as I am passionate and motivated to support others, the service and to make a difference in people’s lives. I have had my own experience of domestic abuse and this was one of the reasons I wanted to volunteer here and be supportive to those in need.

In my role I have contacted people over the telephone around the Power of Change group, talking to people who have experienced or at risk of experiencing abuse, to answer questions they have, discuss any worries and encourage attendance. I also supported delivery of the group with a lead facilitator. I have supported at drops in in partner services, at New Vision Bradford, to anyone who comes and seeks advise and support, including professionals from other services. I work well with others, in a team, and collaborate with them around meeting the needs of the people we support

Volunteering has helped me strengthen my skills in particular communication skills, active listening skills, responding with empathy and being non-judgemental, and being kind, calm and patient. I now have a good knowledge of services and resources within Staying Put and externally and I am confident with administration tasks and the use of IT and communication systems.

I have always felt supported in my role, and I have been given lots of training, support and guidance, and I am being supported towards my goal of having a permanent job here. It is a very welcoming environment and I would recommend volunteering at Staying Put to anyone!