Fiona’s story

16 years ago, Fiona arrived at Gilgal with bruises on her skin and two black eyes. She had escaped domestic violence and coercive control, but at a devastating cost. With her son kidnapped by his father and used as a bargaining tool, she had no choice but to flee alone, emotionally broken and feeling completely hopeless. 

Reuniting Fiona and her son was a top priority, and social services stepped in to offer support. Recognising Fiona’s feelings of isolation, Gilgal encouraged her to interact with the other women in the refuge, participating in classes to discover new hobbies and interests, as well as taking counseling sessions with our Support Workers to address trauma and the upheaval she had been through. Setting routines and working to manage behavioural issues allowed her to regain the confidence she had lost.  

Thanks to the tireless efforts of social services and Gilgal, Fiona’s son was safely rescued from his father’s grip. Looking back, she reflects, “That was the longest week of my life. I’m so grateful Gilgal was there to support me through it.” Reunited at last, Fiona and her son began rebuilding their lives in the refuge, and within a few months, she could see a fresh start ahead. “We finally felt safe,” she recalls. To help her adjust to her new surroundings without family nearby, we connected her with Home-Start, an agency that provided her with support for the next three months. 

Fiona had been working and volunteering with Home-Start for over a decade, fueled by a desire to give back to those who are in the same position she once was, when she noticed a social media post from Gilgal. It was advertising their new Charity Shop, and asking for volunteers. “I could not believe it,” Fiona recalls, “I knew I had to become a part of it.” Now, 16 years after leaving our refuge, Fiona volunteers at Gilgal’s Charity Shop as her own way of showing how thankful and appreciative she is for all the support we gave her and her son at such a difficult time in their lives. She plays a vital role in supporting Shop Manager Rose in day-to-day activities, and we are overjoyed to see her thriving all these years later, and so proud of her progress.  

Could you spare a few hours a week to volunteer in our charity shop?

We are looking for volunteers with a wide range of interests and talents! From a keen eye for fashion to help with window dressing; to an organisation aficionado to manage stock intake; to chatty and friendly people who love to interact with customers. The hours can be flexible and many of our team volunteer with us around personal commitments such as studying, school pick-ups, part-time work, and family care. Our fantastic Shop Manager Rose will help you find the hours and the tasks that work the best for you!

We can also help with work experience and references, whether you’re new to the world of work, or looking to re-enter it. Rose provides a fun, relaxed environment where you can find a purpose with her support.

Please be aware that at this time, Gilgal are only able to accept female volunteers onsite at our refuge and charity shop – the Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9, Equality Act 2010) applies.