You will need to drive and have access to your own vehicle. We ask for a commitment of a minimum of around 3 hours every one to two weeks, and up to 2 days per week, depending on your availability. Support currently takes place between approximately 9am and 6pm, with the potential for this to expand in the future.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable and works relationally.

You should be comfortable supporting women who may be facing a number of challenges, without judgement or feeling that you need to "fix" things. Being able to listen, work at a woman's own pace and approach situations with compassionate curiosity is really important to the way we work within Pearls.

We want someone who can look beyond what's happening on the surface and be curious about what might be happening. The challenges women face around housing, health, substance use, trauma, criminal justice, finances and relationships are often connected. We want someone who can understand these connections and work alongside women in a trauma informed way to explore ways to support and walk alongside.

We're particularly looking for someone who

• Is warm, approachable and non-judgemental.
• Understands the impact of trauma and how this can affect women in their day-to-day lives, relationships and engagement with services.
• Can listen well and communicate sensitively.
• Is reliable and able to offer consistent support.
• Can think practically and explore solutions alongside women.
• Understands boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Is comfortable advocating for women when needed, including when services or systems are creating barriers.
• Can work independently while being part of a supportive team.
• Is flexible and understands that every woman will need something different.
• Has a full driving licence and access to their own vehicle.

Experience in women's services, health and social care, substance use, homelessness, mental health, criminal justice or advocacy would be helpful. We also value relevant voluntary and lived experience.

We'll provide induction, training, supervision and ongoing support. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our values and can work alongside women with compassionate curiosity, respect and choice.

What will you be doing?

Pearls Project is looking for a compassionate, relational and reliable volunteer to work alongside women, providing practical, emotional and wellbeing support during the daytime.

Pearls supports women who are, have been or who may become involved in the sex industry and/or substance use. Women we work alongside may also be experiencing trauma, homelessness or insecure housing, poor physical or mental health, poverty, exploitation, criminal justice involvement, isolation and other challenges.

A key part of this role is helping to fill the gaps between services and providing the time and practical support that can make a real difference.

Depending on the woman and what she needs, you might

• Provide transport and accompany women to health, housing, substance use, criminal justice or other appointments.
• Help women navigate services and advocate alongside them where appropriate.
• Offer practical and emotional support before, during or following appointments.
• Support activities that promote wellbeing, connection and confidence. This could be a walk, going for a coffee, a trip out or something based around a woman's own interests.
• Support women to access therapeutic, creative, social or wellbeing activities.
• Provide consistent, relational support during difficult periods.
• Occasionally support other Pearls activities, groups, drop-ins or outreach.

Our approach is trauma-informed, relational and led by each woman's needs, choices and pace. Sometimes support might involve an important appointment; at other times, having a coffee or going for a walk with someone she trusts can be equally valuable.

You'll be part of a small, supportive team of staff and volunteers and will receive induction, training, regular supervision and ongoing support.

You will need to drive and have access to your own vehicle. We ask for a commitment of a minimum of around 3 hours every one to two weeks, with opportunities for up to two days per week depending on your availability and our need. Support usually takes place between approximately 9am and 6pm. There would also be opportunity for hours within our evening groups and drop ins.