Women volunteer befrienders wanted to support local women affected by domestic violence and mental illness

Women Talking is a befriending service run by local charity Haringey Women's Forum.

(I am a HoLer and I  co-ordinate the project).

Our trained volunteers support women with mental health issues, especially those with experience of domestic abuse.

We would love to hear from you if you are a local woman – living or working in Haringey or nearby – with an understanding (personal and/or professional) of mental illness and/or domestic abuse.

This understanding could include supporting family and friends affected by mental illness and domestic abuse, being directly affected yourself, and/or working in the mental health or domestic abuse sectors.

You should have two to four hours to spare every week, ideally during the daytime, (although evening/weekend volunteering is possible). You do not need any previous experience but it is essential to be a good listener and communicator.

Volunteering would be particularly beneficial to women wanting to gain experience in the health and social care field.

You get the chance to gain new skills, knowledge and experience, alongside ongoing support and supervision.

Haringey Women’s Forum is a charity working with a wide range of women in and around Haringey. Many of the women we support have experienced domestic abuse and/or mental health issues.

Our next programme of training starts on Thursday 12 June (morning) and continues for the next four Saturdays (14, 21, 28 June and 5 July). Volunteers must attend all training.

The closing date to apply for the above training course is Friday 16 May.

If you are not free for this course but may be interested in one of our courses (including weekend/evening training) later this year, do get in touch.

Please email josephine@hwfonline.org.uk for more information.