A charity that works to support survivors of domestic abuse is looking for volunteers to help.
SoLDAS (South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service), operated by Boston Women’s Aid, works with men and women who have experienced abuse and their families in Boston and South Holland.
Its Moving On Together scheme is designed to recruit volunteers to give one to one, friendly support to victims of domestic abuse who are on the road to recovery – helping them get the skills and confidence they need to move on into a home of their own.
SoLDAS Operations Manager Sarah Smith said: “When the abuse is finally over and you’ve got all the practical things like housing, money, schools for the children sorted out, and your abuser has stopped harassing you – you’d expect to feel great. But that is unlikely to happen straight away.
“Recovering from abuse by someone who was close to you is a long process, the damage may stay with you and your children for years.
“Once you’re away from the abuse and start to feel safe again, you may have a sense of anti-climax. You’re likely to experience grief, pain and a deep sense of loss, your trust was betrayed, your self-esteem and confidence shattered. In many ways it is like being bereaved and as with a bereavement, healing will take time.
“This is where the Moving On Together project comes in. A couple of hours a week where someone takes an interest in you – how you feel, what you’d like to do or know, someone who walks to the shops with you and gives you the confidence to be out – makes a huge difference to your recovery.”
Moving On Together volunteers may offer support in variety of ways, perhaps going for a coffee and a chat, giving moral support at a housing interview or helping make a meal ready for the kids’ tea.
For more information contact Charlotte on 01205 311272 or email [email protected]. All volunteers will have an enhanced DBS check, paid by SoLDAS, and training.
