Urgent call for volunteers to support Wolverhampton's The Haven
Dedicated workers behind a lifeline for vulnerable women and their children are urgently searching for helpers.
Wolverhampton's The Haven is in desperate need for more volunteers to help bring in cash to continue its life-changing support for families affected by domestic violence, homelessness and abuse.
The region-wide call for extra help has been issued by volunteer services co-ordinator Avril Simpson, who recently joined the Waterloo Road-based charity.
Ms Simpson said: "I really want to make sure that the staff are well-supported to deliver a really good service to our women and families.
"I'm a volunteer myself with various organisations and I love working with volunteers - it's just great to support so many amazing people. The volunteers I have met so far are all incredible.
"The Haven is one of the biggest refuge providers in the country. Because of the length of time we have been going, we are held in people's hearts here.
"It's an important thing to support women as we do."
The Haven is in particular need of collection tin volunteers to distribute and exchange tins at offices and shops across Wolverhampton.
Supporters need to volunteer just a couple of times each month to bring in cash collected at various spots.
The team is also on the lookout for volunteers experienced in financial or benefits advice to support women aiming to become financially independent when they leave refuges.
Ms Simpson said: "Collection tin volunteers are very difficult to recruit for. It would be such a big help because fundraising for us is so important.
"A huge part of our costs is property maintenance. It would be lovely to have a pool of tradespeople who we could call upon to help with the odd jobs or maintenance at the properties.
"It's rewarding just seeing the progress from when the women come into the refuge and when the leave, and seeing that you have played a part in helping them to become independent."
The Haven, which launched in 1973, offers a range of support services to women and children in need across the city.
This includes providing 63 units of accommodation in secure refuges across Wolverhampton and a 24 hour domestic abuse helpline.
See havenrefuge.org.uk/volunteering
