Juno is incredibly fortunate to have many volunteers who do a very valuable job. We simply couldn’t run our charity without the time and effort our volunteers put in. And in this blog for volunteers week, we want to spotlight some of these kind-hearted individuals.
You can hear from them first-hand (their words have not been edited) about the roles they do and the effects volunteering for Juno has had on their lives. Get ready to feel inspired…and then take that leap of faith and follow in their footsteps. With a range of opportunities to suit all talents and times, we are waiting to hear from you!
BUT FIRST:
We want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who does, or has ever, volunteered for us. Juno has grown from humble beginnings 45 years ago to the powerhouse it is now due to the tireless work and dedication of women. Women of all colours, ages, sexualities, classes and different abilities. All coming together to make the lives of women, children and pets, safer and happier. Thank you all so much.
Many of our volunteer roles can only be fulfilled by women. But men too, help Juno with its work. We are grateful to those who are Pet Foster Carers (such as Oliver, below) and those who support our Notts 500 Campaign. Thank you to these volunteers and supporters too.
Now, let’s hear from the volunteers and get the inside scoop on working with Juno!
Ashleigh, Social Media Volunteer
Ashleigh has been our Social Media Volunteer and been a great asset to Juno. Unfortunately for us, but wonderfully for her, she is now moving to London to start an amazing career. We asked Ashleigh about how she has found the volunteer experience. You can get an overall feel for Juno from her answers, but also – there’s a vacancy now, so if you’re into all things Instagram, we’d love to hear from you! The details are on this page: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/regular-roles/
What made you want to volunteer at Juno?
I knew for my final year living in a new city (as a graduating student) that I was incredibly eager to give back to the community and find an organisation that I hoped I would be able to really support and make a difference in, and it didn’t take much searching before I discovered Juno and all of the fantastic work everyone here gets up to! Seeing such an empowering organisation do such amazing work and also be so passionate about supporting new volunteers really got me excited about the opportunity, and it just felt like the right place for me to be.
What role did you take on, and what drew you to that particular area of work?
I have been a Social Media Volunteer for about 7 months now and produce content for both Juno’s main Instagram account (@junowomensaid) and the Children and Young People specific page (@junochildrenandyoungpeople).
I have also enjoyed creative activities and worried when I went to University I wouldn’t get the opportunity to make the most of this enjoyment, so when I saw an opportunity to apply this creativity to an organisation that empowers and supports women and children across Nottinghamshire, I knew it was the perfect role for me.
How would you describe your experience of volunteering so far?
I believe that my volunteering experience at Juno has really shaped my short time in Nottingham. Starting this role I was immediately welcomed into the organisation and introduced to all of the different wonderful teams, what they do, how Juno works and have never felt like my time here has gone underappreciated.
The support network for volunteers is fantastic, and ensures you always feel supported and have the opportunity to continue to develop even outside of your direct role. Since volunteering with Juno, even as a social media volunteer, I have had the opportunity to meet new people, extend my skillset, represent the organisation at events and was even lucky enough to win an award for my time here. I know I shouldn’t say the experience has been perfect, but there is really nothing that I would change.
Has volunteering helped you personally (e.g. confidence, sense of purpose) or professionally (e.g., job opportunities or skills)?
I have always been a big believer that volunteering, and giving back to your community, in whatever way that may be, is absolutely crucial for fostering both a better understanding of the world around you and developing your people skills, all while making a positive difference.
Being at Juno I have created a whole separate life outside of my studies, met new people, been offered amazing opportunities and also given myself the reassurance that I have made a difference in the place I have lived for three years before I leave.
My experiences at Juno have also been invaluable from an employment perspective. Sharing stories about the work I have done and about the wider organisation brings me great joy while demonstrating that I am a well-rounded individual that is passionate about making a change, and after leaving my studies and Juno I am now starting my dream role in September within the Civil Service as a graduate, with the skills I have obtained through volunteering being invaluable in securing this role.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering with Juno but isn’t quite sure?
There is not a day I have regretted saying yes to a volunteering opportunity. Whether you are interested in gaining some extra experience, meeting new people, supporting an organisation you care about or just want to find a new way to pass time, the benefits from volunteering are immeasurable.
I worried I might not be able to balance my studies, volunteering, placements, and socialising when I began, but the continual support I have felt from Juno has meant I always feel comfortable stepping back if it is needed, or stepping forward if it is wanted!
Thank you, Ashleigh, for your insightful answers. We want to thank you for all your enthusiasm and dedication you’ve brought to this role. We wish you well in London and know great things are ahead for you!
And now, we can hear from Oliver, who is one of our Foster Carers for the Pets Project. This role is absolutely vital because it means that women and children can leave an abusive situation, and so can their animals. So many women feel trapped in difficult relationships because they fear for their pets.
Here at Juno, we will get you and your pets to safety. And our caring and dedicated fosterers will keep them safe and well until you can all be reunited. Oliver does this incredible job, so let’s hear from him in his own words.
Oliver, Foster Carer with the Pets Project
Hi Oliver, what made you want to volunteer for this role?
A while back, I noticed a friend of mine often had a different cat when I visited him. I asked him what the deal was and he told me about Juno women’s aid and fostering. I thought it sounded like a great idea, since I had been missing having a cat, and also loved the idea of helping people in difficult situations.
Sounds positive! So, what was it like to get your first foster cat?
The cat I got (and still have) was quite young – around 10 months – when she arrived. She was obviously quite nervous at first but that was soon replaced with curiosity, while she explored the living room and then the rest of the house over the days.
Keeping her indoors was a challenge, since she was very curious about what was beyond the front and back doors, but I was given some toys to help keep her occupied.
She stayed very close to me for the first couple of weeks, always in the same room and usually right next to me. After that she began to be more confident and enjoys her own space from time to time.
So, how would you describe your experience so far? Do you feel supported by Sarah and Jo, and are you happy you can reach out to them for advice?
Sarah and Jo are great! Lots of supportive communication and also coming around with any items I needed. They also made it really straightforward to complete the paperwork (although there wasn’t much) and get sorted with the vet, etc.
Has volunteering helped you personally (e.g. confidence, purpose) or professionally (e.g. new skills, job opportunities)?
It has actually been really beneficial to me. Living alone has many benefits, but can be a bit lonely at times, so the company she gives is very welcome. It also helps me to structure my days, since she knows exactly when her mealtimes are!
Friends have been fascinated to hear about it, since most have never heard of it and didn’t know it was possible. I’ve already put one friend in touch with Sarah about taking on a cat.
No job opportunities have arisen through it as of yet, but you never know!
This is one of the most common questions I get… What if you get attached?
I will definitely be quite sad when she goes back to her owner. With me working from home, naturally we spend a lot of time together, so the house will definitely feel different. I also used to worry that she would miss my house, as she’s been here for quite a while now. However, knowing how bold, curious and quick to adapt she was when she arrived here, I don’t think it will be a problem for her.
I get solace from knowing I’m giving her good experiences for this portion of her life. With her being so young (not long out of kitten-hood) it’s also an opportunity to “bring her up” well: not overeating or being (too) spoilt, able to occupy herself with play, gain confidence around other cats and creatures in the world, and have trust in humans (she’s now very bold around any visitors to her house).
It’s also for a good cause, which can help you to keep things in perspective!
What would you say to someone who’s considering volunteering for the Pets Project but isn’t quite sure?
I’ve lived with lots of cats over the years, so wasn’t worried about that side of things. What I wasn’t so sure about was the administrative side of things – how to get set up, access to vets, what to do if I go on holiday or move, etc. but they’re very practical and make it really straightforward for you and any unplanned events can be handled.
Thank you, Oliver, for sharing your experiences and giving us a real insight into this role. We’re so grateful you do it, because we know that it is so crucial in helping women and children – and pets – escape abuse. It sounds like you are giving your little visitor a happy and safe time.
And if anyone who is reading this, would like to know more about volunteering, you can hear more about it from Sarah in Monday’s blog: Find out about volunteering with us as we celebrate Volunteers Week
Or please feel free to contact Sarah on: [email protected]
She would love to hear from you!
And finally, we can hear from one member of our helpline team, Kez. Our helpline runs every day of the year, 24 hours a day. The team are always there to help and advise women and girls in need. They offer a listening ear to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. And their role goes beyond this too as they can help get the resources and support in place for women leaving abusive situations.
It’s interesting to know that Kez started as a volunteer here and then became a member of staff. The volunteer experience at Juno can often lead to paid work here, or at other organisations. So, it can be fulfilling in many ways. You’re not just helping – you’re advancing your own life too. Let’s hear from Kez.
Kez, Helpline Volunteer and Staff Member
Hi Kez, what prompted you to volunteer on the helpline initially?
My stepdad was abusive to my mum, not really in front of me. But I know she was scared of him. One day he assaulted her in front of me. My mum could not get out of the relationship until my family got involved. I then had friends that had domestic abuse in their home and that’s when I thought I wanted to help women in these situations.
It’s great that you’ve made something positive out of difficult past times. What are the rewards of working on the helpline?
The rewards are that women are able to live free and rebuild their life and become strong. They sometimes say they thought they would never be able to get out of a situation. They tell us how well they’re doing and how much they appreciated the support and that they couldn’t of done it on their own.
Thank you, Kez, for sharing this insight. That must be wonderful to hear! To know that you personally have had a positive impact on the lives of women, children and pets, who are now living freely.
And if you’d like to volunteer for the helpline, we’d love to hear from you. You can read more about it in this blog: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/national-helpline-awareness-day-recognising-the-lifeline-that-saves-lives/
And see more details here: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/regular-roles/
The opportunity may be temporarily closed but you are welcome to contact Sonia, our Volunteer Manager, to register your interest and discuss further.
Sonia can be found here: [email protected]
And you can also read an interview with her here.
Final thoughts: Volunteering at Juno changes lives. Yours – and the women, children and pets that you help. We have all types of opportunities available and all volunteers receive ongoing support and training.
Please, take a deep breath, step forward and join our team! You can make a real difference in the world and we are eager to hear from you.