Volunteering
Donate your time and expertise
Here at Gilgal Birmingham, we are fortunate enough to have some fantastic volunteers who support us both in the refuge and in our charity shop. They bring expertise and skills, so that the women and children in our refuge have access to a range of additional workshops and advice, as well as opportunities to meet new people. We are proud that our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and offer differing experiences and perspectives, helping us build a well-rounded service where all feel welcome. Having more volunteers means we can keep things at the refuge running, such as admin and support groups, and continue to serve the community through our charity shop.
A childcare volunteer at a Stay and Play session
Does this sound like something you would like to be a part of? Volunteering is a fantastic way to support those who need it most. Giving your time to a charity can be even more valuable than giving money! Many of the women at Gilgal speak very highly of our volunteers, the sessions that they offer, and of those who have shared their expertise through legal and financial advice. Working with Gilgal is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those that we support. Volunteering with us is also a great way to obtain work experience, particularly if you are a student, are new to the world of work, or currently unemployed and looking for a new opportunity. We can offer references to those who have volunteered with us, giving you a helping hand into employment. We also welcome volunteers who are retired or those who work part time.
Ways to volunteer
In the refuge
If you would like to volunteer at the refuge, we are always looking for people who are able to help us with admin tasks such as photocopying and filing, as well as physical tasks such as cleaning and gardening. We take pride in keeping the refuge clean and inviting for the women and children who live here, and giving them a beautiful garden space to relax in. Providing childcare for those at the refuge is another wonderful way to give your time. Many of the women we support have appointments to attend and courses they are taking which require study time, so any help with childcare is always welcome.
In the charity shop
There are many roles available in our charity shop, both on the shop floor or behind the scenes. We are always looking for volunteers to help us sort through our clothing donations and price them up. You could work on the shop floor, offering help to customers when they come in and working behind the till. This is a perfect opportunity if you enjoy meeting and working with new people, or are looking for retail work experience. If you have more of a creative eye, you could support us in dressing the shop window and helping to organise the shop floor to improve the customers’ shopping experience. If you are a business owner, are part of a community group, or have a following on social media, you can even support us by raising awareness of our store and our need for volunteers and donations through posting, leafleting, or displaying a poster in your business.
Run an activity
Do you have a hobby you would consider sharing with the women in our refuge, such as knitting, sewing, gardening, or baking? Or are you a business owner who could offer wellbeing sessions such as pilates and yoga, or beauty activities such as manicures, pedicures, nail art or massages? Could you run a course or session in move-on skills such as first aid, DIY, mending clothing, cooking, and budgeting? Skills like these give those at our refuge confidence, and are the building blocks to gain the independence they deserve.
“Working with Gilgal Birmingham has been so incredibly rewarding. I’ve enjoyed seeing the women’s confidence grow week on week; from being too nervous to put paint to paper, to creating exciting and beautiful works of art. It has been an honour to support them and see them discover new skills and talents.”
Offer your expertise
If you have any expertise to offer us, we would love to welcome you into the Gilgal family. We are looking for volunteers who can offer legal advice to support our women with ongoing situations such as child custody cases. Can you offer financial or marketing advice to ensure that we are effectively reaching as many women as we can, and getting support from donors? If you have experience in retail or business management we would welcome any advice you have, both for the charity shop and for the refuge. Gilgal always encourages support from social workers and support workers, including students, who are looking for work experience, and those who have been in the profession for many years.
Within the refuge we would appreciate support with maintenance jobs involving plumbing, electrics, and DIY, to ensure that the building is kept in good working order for the women whom we support. This includes any interior designers who are interested in helping us make the space as comforting as possible, and any landscaping/gardening enthusiasts to continue our great garden makeover.
Please be aware that at this time, Gilgal are only able to accept female volunteers, both in our refuge and in our charity shop. The Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9, Equality Act 2010) applies.
Volunteer application process
- Download the volunteer application pack
- Email your completed application to finance@gilgalbham.org.uk
- Attend an initial online interview
- Attend an in-person interview and take a tour of the refuge
- DBS check
- Complete the volunteer induction and training
- Start volunteering with Gilgal!
Begin your volunteer journey today!
Donate your time and help our residents to rebuild their lives.