About Women's Aid
Women's Aid is a leading national organisation that has been working in Ireland to stop domestic violence against women and children since 1974. We work to make women and children safe from domestic violence, offer support, provide hope to women affected by abuse and work for justice and social change. Over the course of almost 40 years the organisation has built up a huge body of experience and expertise on the issue, enabling us to best support women and children and share this knowledge with other agencies responding to women experiencing domestic violence. Our Helpline and One to One Support Services provide support, information, and referral to women being physically, emotionally, sexually, and financially abused by their intimate partners. The National Freephone Helpline is: 1800 341 900.
What's Involved
You'll provide a listening ear, information and a support service for women affected by domestic violence.
Helpline volunteers give support in a non-judgmental, non-directive approach, and work from the model of self-help and mutual aid. This model of work is about empowering callers to make their own decisions rather than about "helping" them.
You'll undertake shifts of up to a total of 4 - 8 hours per week assisting us to deliver the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline which is open 7 days a week.
Our Helpline volunteers are committed and dedicated individuals whose contribution to Women's Aid is vital to the high quality support and information that Women's Aid provides; therefore full training is given and we seek a firm commitment from our volunteers in return.
Applications & Screening:
If an application is successful, candidates will be asked to make themselves available for one of the group interview dates. Group interviews will then be followed by individual interviews.
If you are offered a training place to volunteer on the Women's Aid Helpline, we will ask you to provide 2 written references. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.
Training:
The Helpline Volunteer Training includes a number of modules which allow volunteers space to learn and think about the issue of domestic violence including the root causes of domestic violence, the range of effects of domestic on women and children, obstacles and options for women seeking help and listening and support skills. The training involves a significant time commitment and takes place on Saturdays and evenings (5 x Saturdays and 4 x evenings). Following successful completion of the training, volunteers undergo a comprehensive induction into the helpline before taking calls.
Training is delivered highly interactive and dynamic. It is carried out by the Women's Aid Training and Development Department and the Helpline Manager. Women's Aid Helpline Training has an excellent reputation and is recognised as one of the best given by a Domestic Violence Service Provider in the Republic of Ireland.
Commitment:
The requirement after training is one shift per week for a minimum of two years. The Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What's required for this position
Our volunteers are women who are over 18 years of age, have a warm empathetic manner, are good listeners with fluent English (essential) and who have an interest in the issue of domestic violence.
- Personable Skills
- Phone Support/ Information Giver
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
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Minimum time commitment: 2 years
Hours required: 4hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2
Also available in these counties
Dublin
Screening details for this role:
- Formal Interview
- References
- Application Form
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Volunteers play a key role on the Helpline which supports those experiencing abuse in Ireland. They join a team of committed and dynamic volunteers and develop an understanding of domestic violence through in-depth training and continued support.
Getting there
Google Map Location
Women's Aid is situated at 5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2 and is accessible using Dublin Bus 39, 38, 37, 46A and 11. Dublin Bike stations located nearby (Leeson Street and Baggot Street).
