Get Involved
Volunteer
Want to
volunteer?
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and we love the diversity amongst our Team of Friends. There are so many roles and activities you can participate in with as much commitment as you are able to provide. If you are passionate and want to make a difference then join us for an opportunity to meet other people, in a friendly and fun environment.
What we look for in our volunteers
- Have a can do attitude and can work as part of a team. There is not a single role or activity in Friends with Dignity that isn’t possible when working in a Team of enthusiastic and dedicated Friends.
- Be realistic about the time you can commit. There are many ways to volunteer at Friends with Dignity and saying no once does not mean we won’t invite you again to participate in an activity or program. Volunteering should make you feel good – not add pressure to your already busy life.
- Ask for help and have fun.
- Be flexible and know that not all roles and activities will suit everyone. Let us find what makes you happy whilst helping others and making a difference.
Registering
as a volunteer
Registering as a Friends with Dignity volunteer is a simple two step process
Complete a National Police Check
The company we recommend charges $29.90 for volunteers and generally returns the check
within 72 hours.
Please note: The Police check must be completed prior to the next step and must be attached to the application form.
Complete a Volunteer application form
Complete a Volunteer application form including our Code of Conduct. If there is a particular role you would like to do, mention it in your application.
Volunteer FAQs
What is the time commitment?
Most of our volunteering roles are seasonal, meaning that as requests come in, we would get in contact to see if you were available to assist for a short period of time (e.g. 7 days for a sanctuary or one afternoon for a fundraising event). Other roles such as Coordinator roles and operations support vary in time commitment but usually require at least weekly attention.
Is volunteering with FwD family friendly?
Yes, we all volunteer around our everyday lives and understand that you, as a new volunteer will need to do the same.
I am wanting to volunteer with clients directly? Do we ever get to meet the client?
No, we don’t ever have any direct contact with the client. The client’s support worker acts as a liaison between the client and our organisation. We do this for a few reasons, one, we aim to provide these services ‘anonymously’ as to protect the dignity of the client and secondly so that volunteers withhold healthy boundaries for their own self care.
How are the services requested?
All requests for service whether this be for a sanctuary, an urgent request or other assistance for help are made through service providers supporting clients affected by Domestic Violence.
These services, being, a domestic violence refuge, community based service, public health or emergency service.
Will I get support?
We are a little different to most charities in that we only accept donations on an as needed basis (apart from linen, kitchen items, bathroom and laundry items, curtains). Please put your name down as a potential Coordinator if you are interested in a role such as this.
Can I help by being a drop off point for donations?
We are a little different to most charities in that we only accept donations on an as needed basis (apart from linen, kitchen items, bathroom and laundry items, curtains). Please put your name down as a potential Coordinator if you are interested in a role such as this.
This partnership is important as we believe that by collaborating and working with other services and businesses, we can have a bigger impact and utilise resources to assist people or families at risk.
Am I expected to use my own funds when volunteering?
There is absolutely no expectation that you purchase items out of your own pocket. We always do the very best we can and that is all we can do.
Friends with Dignity host and participate in fundraising activities throughout the year to be able to fund their programs. We do not expect anyone to be out of pocket when volunteering. Your time and contribution in regards to using your own transport is donation enough.
Can I assist by getting my workplace/friends/family involved and organising a drive for donations?
Absolutely, we always welcome volunteers who can coordinator ‘drives’ of items through their networks. Please get in contact with us in regards to assisting in this way and request a list of items we are currently short on. We will need to provide you an authority to collect donations on behalf of FwD. We can also provide the applicable promotional material for you to use to advertise the drive.
Will I be insured as a volunteer?
Yes, FwD have all the necessary insurances and public liability in place to cover our volunteers whilst they are volunteering.