5th December: International Volunteer Day
Today is International Volunteer Day and a massive thank you to all our volunteers across the borough – you have been instrumental in being able to keep residents safe and looked after throughout the pandemic and beyond.
In relation to gender- based violence we wanted to welcome the 11 new peer mentors who have recently been recruited into the local domestic and sexual violence service, delivered by Refuge.
The peer mentors will help break isolation; help build social networks and support survivors whilst they regain control of their lives. The peer mentors will be given several days of training and development opportunities and we look forwards to linking them in with other volunteers across the borough.
We also want to shout out to Company Drinks as it also World Soil Day (a surprise to the author writing this!). Company Drinks are wonderful group working across the borough combining local heritage, resources and skills to create drinks and other products through growing local produce. They are supporting the women who are staying in our refuge accommodation to come together and connect. Please check them out, they have a wide range of activities to get involved with!
Volunteers are often able to offer something that can be really valuable for those who have experienced gender-based violence: time. Time for a cup of tea, or to find solace in a shared experience, or joy in a new adventure.
Please join us in thanking a volunteer today or sharing a thought about volunteering in relation to gender-based violence, feel free to pop a note in the comments.
Support links:
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services