Volunteer
A huge amount of the work BWC does is only possible because of the commitment and dedication of dozens of volunteers who offer their time and expertise to support BWC and the women who use it.
Volunteer For BWC
BWC is at the forefront of a movement actively supporting women and girls with multiple vulnerabilities across Sussex, working collaboratively with both voluntary and statutory partners to achieve positive outcomes.
BWC places clients at the heart of its services, with a holistic and trauma informed approach based on co-production principles. We are driven to achieve positive and fulfilling futures for women we work with, many of whom have multiple, complex needs. BWC’s specialist advice, support, advocacy and counselling services support women who have experience of homelessness, the criminal justice system, mental health needs, problematic use of substances, poverty and abuse.
BWC is part of a wider network of women’s centres and gender responsive providers contributing to ongoing research on good practice and innovation in services for vulnerable women. We proactively work to identify and address the underlying factors for women presenting with multiple, complex needs and position our services to achieve the very best for women we support.
We are currently recruiting to two roles:
Volunteer Foodbank Assistant
Wednesdays 1pm to 4.30pm
The weekly foodbank at BWC provides a crucial service to women and families during times of financial crisis or hardship. To ensure that we can open the food bank every week we rely on a team of dedicated volunteers whose role it is to help set up and close the food bank and support women to meet their needs using our service.
We ask Volunteer Foodbank Assistants to commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum period of 12 months.
Teamwork is vital to the success and professional standard of the centre and all volunteers are encouraged to take an active part in regular meetings and contribute to the general development of the centre. This may also include taking responsibility for specific areas of work.
Strict adherence to confidentiality, particularly in respect of personal details and background of workers and clients is required of all workers.
What training do volunteers receive?
Volunteers will receive induction training, on-going training and support and guidance from the Support Services Manager.
We are able to cover reasonable local travel expenses (up to the cost of a Brighton & Hove daily saver bus ticket) and offer references after 1 year of volunteering with us.
We particularly welcome applications from women from Black and Minority Ethnic groups and women who identify as LGBTQ+
The full job description is available here.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 27th May 5pm
Interviews & Training: TBC
Volunteer Women’s Hub Facilitators
Mondays 5.30pm to 9pm or Wednesdays 1pm to 5pmr
The Women’s Hubs at BWC provide a crucial service to women across the city who are in need of advice and information in a non-judgemental, safe environment. Volunteer Facilitators will work in the drop-in Hub service providing empathic and practical support. Facilitators offer information, guidance and signposting to service users as well as holding occasional activity-based peer support sessions.
We ask Volunteer Facilitators to commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum period of 12 months. Teamwork is vital to the success and professional standard of the centre and all volunteers are encouraged to take an active part in regular meetings and contribute to the general development of the centre. This may also include taking responsibility for specific areas of work.
Strict adherence to confidentiality, particularly in respect of personal details and background of workers and clients is required of all workers.
What training do volunteers receive?
Volunteers will receive induction training, on-going training and regular supervision from the Support Services Manager.
We are able to cover reasonable local travel expenses (up to the cost of a Brighton & Hove daily saver bus ticket) and offer references after 1 year of volunteering with us.
We particularly welcome applications from women from Black and Minority Ethnic groups and women who identify as LGBTQ+
The full job description is available here.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 27th May 5pm
Interviews & Training: TBC
To apply please complete both forms below:
Volunteer Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
For further information please contact Emma Walsh
[email protected] or telephone 07472 085 374
BWC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
**These posts are restricted to self-identifying women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010.
Due to the nature of this role we can only accept applications from applicants aged 18+
“Volunteering at BWC has been a truly enriching experience for me. To be a part of such a passionate, diverse and dedicated organisation has supported and inspired me on both a professional and personal level. It has provided a safe, supportive and encouraging environment where my confidence and skill set as a practitioner have been able to grow.”
Sara, Holistic Therapy volunteer
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Find information on clinical placement opportunities at BWC here.