Happy Volunteers Week!
Volunteers’ Week was first established in 1984, by what was then known as Volunteering England. This year marks the 40th anniversary!
The Magdalene Group itself was founded by two visionary female magistrates who identified a need within our community to support vulnerable women. We are incredibly thankful to all of our volunteers throughout the last 30 years and all the vital work they do.
Volunteers drive positive change by donating their diverse skills, time and expertise, making a difference to individuals, their local communities and wider society. Fortunately, volunteering has been shown to improve volunteers’ wellbeing too.
Get Involved.
Volunteers wanted.
We are always on the look-out for enthusiastic & reliable volunteers for various roles within The Magdalene Group front-line services, but particularly with the Doorway Women’s Service, to be involved in the late evening outreach programme, daytime drop-in service, and client support roles. We welcome any specialist skills!
We require a minimum commitment of one session/approx. 3-5 hours per month. We require good references, & a basic DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check.
In return, we provide a robust induction, ongoing training, regular supervision, references if required, and great experience.
Due to the nature of the volunteering role, it is a General Occupational Requirement that this position be filled by a female, (Equality Act 2010.)
Please complete an application form & return to support@magdalenegroup.org as soon as possible.
Current volunteers
Our current volunteers are : Sarah, Rachel & Lottie. They have recently been joined by new recruits Prapti, Susan & Emily.
Here are some of their comments :
“Everyone is really friendly and approachable, it’s nice to see what impact The Magdalene Group have on clients and good to see the relationships develop and the women being helped so much .”
” Seeing how the practitioners take the time to support the ladies in really tricky situations is admirable and I feel privileged to be apart of that support as a Magdalene Group volunteer.”
“It’s been a great experience, learning a lot about the challenges women face it really opens your eyes to a very different lifestyle, it’s been a really good experience, such a supportive team, training has been brilliant and I really cannot fault my volunteering experience. I would say to other potential volunteers – It’s not what you are expecting -it’s not scary at all, its been really good.”
There are volunteering opportunities in the following areas:
Outreach – The Doorway team are available through street outreach and inreach in Norwich to sex workers to provide crisis-intervention, access to sexual health services and safety advice or just a hot drink and a chat. Outreach takes place once a week on a Thursday or Friday night.
Drop-In – We would particularly welcome any arts/crafts/textiles speciality to bring a creative edge to drop in. We hold these sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons between 1.00 & 3.00 pm.
Please get in touch for more information.
You might be interested in helping to deliver our preventative information sessions and workshops in schools, youth groups and care homes across Norfolk.
Please get in touch for more information.
More quotes from past volunteers...
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with The Magdalene Group and be a very small part of the amazing work you do. It has been a privilege to see the work your team do and the kindness and support they share with those that they are working with.”
Liz
“On my first ever shift on outreach I remember…her being given love, support, a hot drink, chocolate and the knowledge that someone truly valued her…who could fail to be moved by the unconditional support given and also by the optimism of those we help.”
Andrea
“I have volunteered at The Magdalene Group for 18 years. I have seen many changes; the group has grown beyond recognition over the years. I work in drop-in on a Wednesday afternoon…I find volunteering very rewarding, providing someone with a shower, hot meal, washing facilities and a safe place to stay…”
Amber
“I love volunteering and doing outreach as we get to engage with some of the most marginalized women with respect and warmth, it’s very rewarding.”
Application form
If you are interested in volunteering with us please download and complete the Volunteer-Application & send it back to us: The Magdalene Group 61 King Street Norwich NR1 1PH Email: administrator@magdalenegroup.org
National Council for Voluntary Organisations
The Magdalene Group is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO.)
NCVO champions the voluntary sector and volunteering – because they’re essential for a better society – by connecting, representing and supporting voluntary organisations.