Volunteers
If you are on this page, you are already a volunteer or want to find out more about volunteering at Women’s Community Matters.
Volunteers play a crucial part in Women’s Community Matters and last year gave more than 11,000 hours of support. They carry out an amazing number of tasks. All of the roles volunteers do are essential to the Centre. We want to show women how much they are worth, how much we care about them, and how we will continue to treat them with love, care, compassion and kindness. So even though cleaning drinks stations, for example, may not seem like a vital job, it definitely is. It shows our clients that we value them and want them to have a nice cup of tea, from a clean mug, with fresh milk and hot water. These ‘small’ tasks contribute to our bigger goal, showing women that they are enough, they are valued and are loved.
The volunteer roles we offer are:
General Housekeeping
Clothes Bank
Drop-In (drop-in sessions for clients to come for a coffee and catch-up)
Welcomer on Reception
Food Service Assistant
Group Support/ Peer Mentor
Centre Support
Fundraiser
Pause, for Thought (young women’s group)
Time, for Thought (young men’s group)
If you would like a detailed description of each role, please use this document here.
We have found that the most important aspect of what we do and what we are known and respected for, is the way we do things, as opposed to what we do. The courses, activities and support we offer are important, but they can change over time. What does not change and what we believe is the reason people trust us, is the way in which we deliver our services, namely: With love, care, compassion, and kindness.
The number of volunteers has continued to grow. Some are previous clients who have grown in confidence and want to help others who are facing the similar problems to those that they faced; others volunteer because they have brought clothes to the clothes bank or heard survivors’ stories or read about the difference WCM is making to the lives of women and children in Barrow. They are enthusiastic, caring and kind and together with the staff help make the Centre a warm and safe place to be in.
Their commitment and hard work is appreciated by all the staff, clients and the people of Barrow with the result that we have been received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
The reasons for volunteering can range from supporting women in the area, extending your social life, giving back to the community or developing new skills and experience.