Thank you for thinking about giving your time to join a community of strength in order to  improve the lives of those who have been affected by domestic abuse.  Some of our volunteering opportunities require lived experience of domestic abuse and some, such social media and administration do not.  Whoever you are and whatever skills you may have, please get in touch with the office on [email protected] and we will do our best to identify a role for you.

Why volunteer with Home-Start East Sussex?

For all sort of reasons!  Whatever skills and experience you have, you can;

  • make a positive impact on the lives of others by giving back to the community you live in and be part of something larger than yourself
  • gain new skills and experiences, and a sense of purpose and fulfilment
  • find a meaningful way to spend your time and energy, especially if you are seeking a sense of direction, by contributing to positive change in the world
  • step outside your comfort zone, confront different perspectives, and learn more about yourself while reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness
  • actively participate in, and contribute to, improving the community and society as a whole
  • engage in acts of service and contribute to the welfare of others

I am a woman with lived experience of domestic abuse. What would I gain from volunteering?  

  • Build your experience into empowerment by helping others on their journey to healing and independence
  • Be the support you wish you had by making a difference in the lives of those who are at the beginning of their domestic abuse recovery journey
  • Transform your trauma into triumph by contributing to a community focused on healing, resilience, and growth.
  • Join a judgment-free zone where your experiences are understood, respected, and can make a positive impact.
  • Grow beyond your past by giving back but also to provide a platform for personal development and skill enhancement
  • Connect with a community that understands, with people who share similar experiences and work together to create a safer and more supportive East Sussex
  • Turn your pain into progress, advocating for change and being part of a movement that aims to break the cycle of domestic abuse.

The majority of our volunteers are female Lotus Blossom Peer Support Mentors.  With a partner, they co-facilitate online peer support groups for women recovering from domestic abuse as a follow-on from our more formal 6-week recovery group. 

Join us as a volunteer to foster open conversations about domestic abuse, help others, and drive real change.  Your domestic abuse experience matters and can make a difference.  Join a friendly team that understands and values your unique perspective. We celebrate diversity in our volunteer community. Our volunteers get a lot out of helping the charity and victim-survivors of domestic abuse and many have used their experience as a stepping stone to paid employment both outside and within Home-Start East Sussex.

 

How do I become a domestic abuse peer support mentor? 

  1. Attend our on-line domestic abuse recovery programme (6-week group plus one-to-one tailored IDVA support) delivered by trained qualified facilitators one day a week in school hours.  This ensures volunteers have processed their own abuse experience and are in the right place on their own recovery journey to support clients.  It also helps understand the different types of abuse as well as the early warning signs of abuse.
  2. Undertake an on-line course of preparation that takes place one day a week within school hours. This fully prepares them for their role.
  3. Receive lots of support both during the preparation course and after, when they start co-facilitating an on-line group with another peer support mentor.
  4. Can access additional accredited training and social events throughout the year.
  5. Receive all out of pocket expenses incurred
  6. Some of our staff have started with the charity as volunteers

Our on-line course preparation runs one day a week within school hours. The subjects covered include:

  • Introduction and Role of Peer Support Mentor
  • Values and Attitudes
  • Listening and facilitation skills
  • Confidentiality
  • Safeguarding
  • Commitment and boundaries
  • Practicalities and Endings
If you are interested in joining us as a peer support mentor please email [email protected] for more information.
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