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Volunteer at Ruhama

We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our committed volunteers.

Volunteering with Ruhama

Why Volunteer?

Ruhama offer free, confidential services  to women affected by prostitution and sex trafficking.  We work with with over 300 women each year who require our support. 

Volunteering with us can be very rewarding. The women we support are often marginalised, vulnerable and in difficult situations. You can help to genuinely change their lives by enabling us to provide them with a wide range of free and confidential support services.

Volunteering can make a difference to your life too, helping you learn skills, meet new people and gain important experience that will enhance your CV or help you stand out in an application. 

Find out more about how you can get involved by contacting our Volunteer Manager Tessa on 01 836 0292 or email tessa@ruhama.ie. 

 

Training Dates 

Training dates are TBC for 2020.

 

How Can I Volunteer?

The Outreach Van

Our van operates in the ‘red light’ districts of Dublin offering practical and emotional support to women involved in street prostitution. Our outreach team create a safe, confidential space for women to discuss issues that may be affecting them, or a place where they can simply relax for a while with a hot drink and a snack and have a chat. 

Many women we encounter in street prostitution are leading complex and chaotic lives. They typically face a range of vulnerabilities and challenges including: poor physical and mental health, family breakdown, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, poverty, debt and control/coercion by third parties.

Apply now and help make a difference to these women’s lives.

What we ask

Our Outreach van shifts take place at night up to four nights per week. We ask volunteers to undertake one mid-week shift and one weekend shift a month as well as regular attendance at team meetings.

Shifts usually take place 9pm-12am midweek and 11pm-3am at the weekend. This usually totals 10 hours per month and we ask that you are willing to commit for two years.

 

Education & Development

Our Education and Development Programme helps women develop their skills and interests, whilst building self-esteem and independence.  

Volunteers run one-to-one sessions with women in the following areas:

  • English (ESOL, TEFL, Adult Literacy, etc)
  • Study skills and study support
  • IT 
  • Maths
  • Sewing. 

What we ask

Classes are scheduled during office hours from Monday-Friday. Tutors are asked for one two-hour shift a week, plus preparation time and asked to commit for a period of two years.

 

Counselling

Our counsellors play an important role in supporting women to deal with past trauma,  equipping them with the skills and the confidence for a brighter future. We accept pre-accredited counsellors but we look for volunteers with some previous experience of working with trauma and vulnerable groups. Supervision support is provided. 

What we ask

Counselling appointments are scheduled during office hours from Monday-Friday. We ask for one two-hour shift a week and that you are willing to commit for a period of two years.

 

Fundraising & Communications

We’re often looking for fundraisers or support with communications to help us continue our work supporting women affected by prostitution. 

If you’re interested in volunteering in fundraising or communications, talk to our Volunteer Manager Neasa on volunteer@ruhama.ie for information on getting involved.   

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I volunteer if I don’t live in Dublin?

    We work with women nationwide but our offices are based in Dublin. We welcome volunteers from any location that can travel to our Dublin offices for their shifts.

  • I have experience of prostitution, can I volunteer?

    If you have used our services before or have experience of the issues we work with, this does not prevent you from volunteering with us. It is important, however, that you are in stable place in your life to be able to support others.

  • Do I need to have a driving license to volunteer on the van?

    Yes. All van outreach volunteers must have a full manual driving license to volunteer. There are two volunteers on each shift and both people take turns driving the van.

  • Can I volunteer in Education & Development if I’m not a teacher?

    Yes. You don’t need previous experience of teaching. Some experience of education is an advantage and we provide full training and support. Our education programme is person-centred, not curriculum-led.

  • Can I volunteer as a counsellor if I’m still a student?

    We accept pre-accredited counsellors but we look for volunteers with some previous experience of working with trauma and vulnerable groups.

  • Do you have any other volunteer roles?

    We occasionally recruit for other roles depending on the needs of the women we support. We’re often looking for fundraisers or support with communications to help us continue our work supporting women affected by prostitution.  If you’re interested in volunteering in fundraising or communications, talk to our Volunteer Manager Neasa on volunteer@ruhama.ie for information on getting involved.     

Text REACH to 50100 for FREE, and get FREE confidential support. Or call us on 01 836 0292 today.