Independent Choices Greater Manchester is supported by a team of dedicated trained volunteers. Our training programme provides full training and support from staff and experienced volunteers.
We ask that potential volunteers are able to give a minimum of one shift (3 hours) per week, either morning or afternoon.
There are different roles within the Organisation, such as Helpline Volunteers, Administrative Volunteers, Fundraising Volunteers and Social Media Volunteers. Volunteers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, with their own set of unique skills, knowledge and experiences. They are all committed to supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse.
There are a number of volunteering opportunities so you can choose which one might suit you best. Our roles are as follows:
1. Helpline Volunteer
As a Helpline Volunteer, you’ll be providing a confidential service for those affected by domestic abuse and to professionals seeking support around issues relating to domestic abuse. This may involve giving advice/options around safety planning, legal options such as civil or criminal sanctions, housing options, emotional support, safeguarding children and support in accessing refuge.
2. Administrative (Admin) Volunteer
Being an Admin Volunteer is a diverse role and no two days might look the same. This may involve supporting the team with general admin tasks, answering emails, photocopying etc. This is also a good first step into the charity where you will be given the opportunity to complete your training and work towards becoming a Helpline Volunteer, if that is something you might wish to do in the future.
3. Fundraising Volunteer
Fundraising Volunteers are integral. They raise money to support our work with victims/survivors in the community. In the past, our volunteers have organised raffles, sponsored events, swims, runs, skydives, theatre events, quizzes with prize donations from local businesses. All ideas are welcome, so if you have experience in this area and are thinking of getting involved, please get in contact with the team – we’d love to hear from you!
4. Social Media Volunteer
Our Social Media Volunteers help with spreading awareness of our services via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. This could involve creating content that spreads awareness, delivering messages about domestic abuse that aim to reach out to victims/survivors in the community, and informing them of the help available to them. Volunteering in this role could also involve creating content to recruit fellow volunteers, spread awareness of fundraising opportunities and increase the social media presence of the organisation.
What we are looking for
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Have an interest or passion in working within domestic abuse services
- Can work well on their own or with others
- Have a non-judgemental attitude
- Are good listeners
- Have a willingness and dedication to learn and grow professionally
- Can remain calm and professional under pressure and can handle difficult situations.
- We also welcome volunteers who can speak additional languages
If you are interested in volunteering please read the role profiles, FAQ document, the Steps to Volunteering document and then complete the form for a volunteering information session.
If you have any problems please contact volunteering@independentchoices.org.uk
*Thanks to our volunteer, Sophie, for her work on compiling this FAQ doc.
