Domestic Abuse Support Volunteer

Location: Thamesmead / South East London, with some remote support opportunities

Commitment: Flexible, depending on programme needs and volunteer availability

Start Date: ASAP

About Thrive Impact CIC

Thrive Impact CIC supports women, young people and families through community-led programmes, safe spaces, mentoring, advocacy, empowerment work and practical support. Through our women’s empowerment work, including Empower Her and Thrive Café, we support women who may have experienced domestic abuse, trauma, isolation, low confidence, wellbeing challenges or barriers to employment, education and independence. Thrive Café is a welcoming women’s space where women can connect, feel supported, access signposting, build confidence and take part in community activities in a safe and respectful environment.

Role overview

We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and trauma-informed Domestic Abuse Support Volunteer to support women through our community-based women’s programmes, including Empower Her and Thrive Café. This opportunity may involve offering emotional support, helping women feel heard and respected, sharing information, signposting to appropriate services and supporting Thrive Impact CIC sessions, workshops, cafés and community activities. This is a community support role and does not involve providing legal, clinical or specialist domestic abuse advice.

What You’ll Do As a Domestic Abuse Support Volunteer, you may help to: Provide empathetic, non-judgemental support to women in a safe and respectful way Support women attending Empower Her, Thrive Café and related women’s activities Listen to women’s needs and support them to feel heard, valued and less isolated Signpost women to appropriate domestic abuse, housing, mental health, legal, financial, employment or community services.

Support women to build confidence, self-esteem and practical life skills.

Assist with women’s sessions, workshops, cafés, events and community activities.

 Support women with basic employability steps, such as confidence building, CV preparation, interview confidence or goal setting.

 Help create a welcoming, trauma-informed and empowering environment.

Volunteer within Thrive Impact CIC’s safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries guidance.

 Keep appropriate records or updates where required by the Thrive Impact CIC team.

What skills do I need?

This role would suit someone who:

Has strong interpersonal and communication skills

Is empathetic, patient, respectful and non-judgemental

Understands some of the challenges faced by women affected by domestic abuse, trauma or isolation

Has lived, voluntary or professional experience in domestic abuse, women’s support, advocacy, mentoring, social care, counselling, youth work or community work — desirable but not essential

Is able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Is calm, reliable and able to engage sensitively with vulnerable women

Has basic knowledge of employability support, confidence building or career development — desirable but training and guidance can be provided

Is committed to safeguarding and supporting women in a safe, empowering way

Is willing to learn and volunteer within Thrive Impact CIC’s values and policies.

What You’ll Gain

This opportunity offers:

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families

Gain experience in women’s support, domestic abuse awareness and community-based advocacy.  Support safe spaces such as Empower Her and Thrive Café

Develop confidence in mentoring, active listening and signposting.  Be part of a supportive grassroots organisation

Contribute to empowering women as they rebuild confidence, independence and hope Safeguarding and Confidentiality.

Thrive Impact CIC is committed to creating safe, respectful and trauma-informed spaces for women, young people, families, volunteers and the wider community. Volunteers will be expected to follow our safeguarding, confidentiality, professional boundaries and data protection guidance at all times. Due to the nature of this role, references and an enhanced DBS check may be required.