Charity staff issue thank-you

Staff at a Burntwood-based charity which helps women and children fleeing domestic violence have issued a thank you to their volunteers.

The team at the Pathway Project runs three refuges in Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth.

It says its volunteers are the cream of the crop and issued the thank you during Volunteers Week. And they have also issued an appeal for more volunteers to help man a new befriending service. Huge praise has gone to the charity's trustees, helpline volunteers and drivers.

A spokesman for the charity said Pathway now wanted to develop a befriending service, which will mean that women leaving the refuge will have the continued support of a volunteer for as long as each woman needs it.

"We need more people to take on this difficult work," said the spokeswoman.

"We are always seeking committed volunteers who are willing to train in this work, and then give us a commitment of whatever time they can but on a fairly regular basis.

"There are no particular qualifications except at trustee level, where we are looking for particular skills and experience.

"Because of the sensitive nature of the work we can only take male volunteers as trustees or volunteer drivers (with a female escort).

"The work is challenging, sometimes uncomfortable, but always rewarding," the spokeswoman said.

"Knowing that your input can change someone's life is a great feeling.

"The truth is that your input could even save lives."

The spokeswoman added that the charity has a good track record of helping volunteers to learn new skills, take on new challenges and even a change in career.

Volunteers often progress through paid sessional work to permanent work.

For more details on helping the charity, call Joanne on 01543 686300.