Croydon’s Family Justice Centre (FJC) is keen to hear from people who would like to help individuals and families who are experiencing domestic abuse. The FJC’s Volunteer Project, which started in January, has already trained 14 volunteers, with 12 due to be trained, and 10 further applications being processed.
The volunteers are supporting clients from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 7pm; and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm, but more are needed to cover Monday to Fridays, between 9am and 5pm.
Volunteers must be 21 or older, will need to offer a minimum of two hours each week, be willing to support people to achieve change in their lives, and be keen to increase their own skills and experience.
The FJC team will offer full training, support and supervision.
Andy Opie, the council’s director of safety, said: “We know that one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and, on average, the FJC helps 232 people every month.
“The Family Justice Centre’s team is, therefore, keen to increase this network, to give emotional and practical support to as many people as possible.” The support will include helping them feel less isolated, and encouraging them to seek help from health, housing and financial services, children’s centres and support groups.
For further details, including training dates, contact volunteer coordinator, Emma Osbourne, on 020 8688 0100, or email emma.osbourne@croydon.gov.uk
