A Guide to Volunteering with Leeway

Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services are a specialist domestic abuse charity and currently support over 8,000 adults, children and young people every year throughout Norfolk and Waveney. It is our primary aim to offer advice, support and information to anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteers are an important and valued part of Leeway, and below we outline what you can expect when you apply to become a Leeway volunteer.

I'm interested in volunteering for Leeway, what sort of roles can I help with?

We have numerous opportunities available in different areas of the charity. This could include volunteering in the safe houses, administration, providing workshops, working with children, marketing or helping with our social media. It depends on what we currently have available at our locations across Norfolk and Waveney.

I have previous experience of domestic abuse, can I apply?

Whilst we very much welcome applications from people with their own experience of domestic abuse and acknowledge that they can bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to our organisation, you are unable to volunteer with Leeway if you have experienced domestic abuse within the last two years. You could search Do-it, the national volunteering database, for relevant opportunities in other local organisations. If you need support, contact us on 0300 561 0077 or find out how we can help.

Can I apply to volunteer with Leeway if I am under the age of 18?

Unfortunately, we can only accept volunteers over the age of 18 years. Check out Do-it, the national volunteering database, for opportunities in other organisations for under 18’s.

I'd like to volunteer with Leeway, how do I apply?

Download a copy of our Volunteer Application Form.

I've submitted my application, what happens next?

1. Once you have submitted your Volunteer Application Form, we will be in touch, usually by email. We aim to make contact with you within one week of receiving your application.
   
2. We will invite you for an informal interview and, if your application is to proceed, then we will collect your references.
   
3. You will then complete a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) application - the level of which will depend on your role and will be of no cost to you.
   
4. We will invite you to attend a volunteer induction where we will talk about the charity, discuss your volunteering role and tasks in more detail, show you around the volunteering venue and introduce you to the team.
   
5. We will invite you to the relevant training sessions, to prepare you for your volunteering role.
   

What support can I expect to receive from Leeway whilst volunteering?

Leeway provide support and guidance whilst you are volunteering and we will ensure that you have everything you need to be able to undertake your volunteer role. You are invited to any training sessions or talks that we organise during the year, to ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date. In addition to that, you can expect:

• An introduction to the charity and your team, project and role.
  
• Full training required for your role, as stated in the role description.
  
• A reference (after three months of your help on a regular weekly basis).
  
• Support, feedback, appreciation and encouragement.
  
• Us to solve any problems as best we can.
  
• Free tea and coffee when you are on shift.
  
• Respect for your dignity and to be treated with kindness.
  
• Us to make use of your skills and talents and help you to develop new ones if desired.
  
• Reimbursement for your travel expenses for shifts over four hours.
  
• Volunteering opportunities suited to your needs and Leeway’s requirements.
  
• To be kept up-to-date with information concerning your role and the charity.
  
• A safe volunteering environment, including insurance coverage while you are volunteering.
  
• Equal opportunity and fairness.
  
• Protection for your personal information, which will be held confidentially.
  

My question wasn't answered on this page, is there someone I can speak to?

If you have a question or would like more information about any aspect of volunteering with Leeway, please feel free to contact us using any of the methods listed below:

• Telephone: 0300 561 0077
• Email: admin@leewaynwa.org.uk
• Address: PO Box Leeway, City Hall, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1NH